Following the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, effective from 12.01am, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 and subject to no further outbreaks, travel from Victoria and New South Wales will be classified as ‘very low risk’.
The transition to the new category can occur following a review by the Chief Health Officer, after Victoria surpassed 28 days of no community cases and New South Wales is due to reach that milestone on Friday (December 4).
As a result, Western Australia’s controlled interstate border will be safely adjusted, with travel from Victoria and New South Wales to be permitted into WA with the following conditions:
- all Perth Airport arrivals to undergo a health screening and temperature test on arrival;
- travellers to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test at the airport COVID clinic, if deemed necessary by a health clinician (voluntary asymptomatic testing available for all airport arrivals);
- completion of a G2G Pass declaration, stipulating they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions the traveller has been in over the previous 14 days;
- all travellers to receive a SMS health check reminder one week into their stay in WA; and
- land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint, for a health screening and to have their G2G Pass declaration checked.
Other jurisdictions currently in the ‘very low risk’ category include the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Travel from South Australia remains prohibited unless travellers meet the strict exemption criteria, pending further updated health advice. This includes anyone who has been to South Australia in the previous 14 days or is travelling through South Australia on their way to WA.
South Australia will remain a ‘medium risk’ jurisdiction until at least December 11, pending a review of these arrangements next week.
The controlled interstate border is enacted under the Emergency Management Act and failure to follow these directions will be enforceable by law, with penalties ranging from $1,000 infringements to up to $50,000 fines for individuals.
More information on travel to WA is available at https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“WA’s border controls have proved highly effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 coming into our State from other Australian jurisdictions.
“As a result, Western Australia is safe and strong, and we want to keep it that way under our controlled border regime.
“We can take this next step, safely and cautiously, thanks to the recent success of our friends over east getting the spread of the virus under control.
“Victoria’s success is something all Australians should be proud of.
“I want to thank everyone for their understanding and co-operation, it’s because of their commitment, we are now able to take this next step.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to make progress with our controlled interstate border arrangements and we’ve done so in a careful and cautious manner to keep the WA community safe.”
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“These adjustments to travel into WA from next Tuesday have been reviewed and recommended by the Chief Health Officer on the latest public health advice.
“We have always acted on the health advice since COVID-19 first arrived in Australia.
“This has helped to make our State the safest place in the world.
“This cautious but sensible approach has enabled us to stay safe while cautiously opening up our controlled borders.
“Today is another important step which we hope will help many families to be reunited with their loved ones for the festive season.”
Premier’s office – 6552 5000
