Following updated health advice related to the COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria, the Western Australian hard border with Victoria will return to reduce the risk of the virus coming into the WA community.
Victoria will now transition from a 'low risk' State to a 'medium risk' State under our controlled interstate border, effective from midnight tonight (12.01am July 17).
Travel from Victoria will no longer be permitted, unless you are an exempt traveller. This also applies to anyone who may have been in Victoria since July 8 and has not completed 14 days of quarantine in a lower risk State or Territory. The exemption list is limited to:
- certain senior Government officials;
- certain active military personnel;
- a member of the Commonwealth Parliament;
- a person carrying out functions under a law of the Commonwealth;
- a person carrying out a limited range of specialist functions; and
- a person given approval by State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes reasons such as those Western Australians that may have travelled to Victoria recently and need to return to WA.
People who have recently travelled to Victoria are urged to return to WA now.
Exempt travellers arriving to WA after 12.01am Saturday, July 17, 2021 must:
- self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
- present for an initial COVID-19 test within 48 hours;
- present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).
Anyone who has recently arrived from Victoria prior to the hard border should continue to comply with their existing Directions, under the 'low risk' settings provided to them upon entry to the State.
Recent arrivals into Western Australia are asked to continue to monitor the Victoria Health website for updated exposure locations.
Anyone who is unwell or experiencing symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine until they return a negative test result.
It is important that these people familiarise themselves with the latest exposure sites, as contact tracing continues to uncover more sites. Information can be viewed at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
Self-quarantine is not necessary for anyone who has come into contact with someone who recently arrived from Victoria and COVID-19 testing is only required if symptoms develop.
Under the controlled interstate border, Victoria joins New South Wales and Queensland as 'medium risk' jurisdictions; the Australian Capital Territory is listed as a 'low risk' jurisdiction; and the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania are listed as 'very low risk' jurisdictions.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation in each State and Territory and provide regular updated advice on Western Australia's border controls.
As stated by Acting Premier Stephen Dawson:
"The escalating situation on the east coast is very concerning and our thoughts are with NSW and Victoria as they try to bring the growing Delta outbreak under control.
"WA's hard border is vital to protect Western Australians from the spread of COVID-19 from other jurisdictions.
"Following the latest health advice, the hard border with Victoria will return from midnight tonight.
"I urge all Western Australians currently in Victoria to return home as quickly as possible.
"I appreciate these new border arrangements may cause inconvenience but we need to do everything necessary to protect the health of Western Australians.
"Thank you to everyone for their understanding and co-operation."
