Based on the latest public health advice, the Northern Territory will move to ‘extreme risk’ under Western Australia’s controlled border from 12.01am Thursday, January 13.
Like much of the country, the Northern Territory is continuing to see an increasing number of COVID-19 cases spread throughout the community.
Under the ‘extreme risk setting, travel into WA from the Northern Territory will not be permitted except under the most exceptional circumstances.
Exemptions for approved travellers will be further restricted to Commonwealth and State officials, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, and specialist or extraordinary circumstances determined by the State Emergency Coordinator or the Chief Health Officer.
Approved travellers are subject to the following conditions, unless otherwise advised:
- be double dose vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible;
- be subject to testing requirements on arrival in WA, and on days five and 13; and
- undertake hotel quarantine at a State facility for 12 days at their expense, with a further two days at a suitable premise, if eligible;
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review the State’s controlled border settings. For more information about WA’s controlled border, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“We know the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around much of the country and unfortunately the Northern Territory is now too seeing an accelerating caseload in the community.
“Based on the latest health advice, Northern Territory will be elevated to ‘extreme risk’ under WA’s controlled border arrangements.
“We have moved swiftly on Northern Territory, to reduce the risk of more Omicron cases in self-quarantine.
“Our controlled border remains a vital tool to protect Western Australia as we work to push our vaccination rates as high as possible towards February 5, including third doses and vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds.
“We are well on track to exceed our 90 per cent double dose target in the lead up to our Safe Transition – and we will continue to do everything we can to keep Western Australians safe and encourage everyone to take the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The latest public health advice is clear – the level of community spread in the Northern Territory means Western Australia must elevate the jurisdiction to ‘extreme risk’ under our controlled border.
“Community cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Northern Territory, as they are around the majority of the country.
“Western Australia’s vaccination rate is tracking very well, and we are focused on using every single day ahead of February 5 to ensure the community is as protected as much as possible.
“Whether it is your first, second or third dose – or booking an appointment for your child – please do what is required to protect yourself and your family.
“The State Government will continue to follow the latest public health advice from the Chief Health Officer to protect Western Australia.”
