Northern Territory to move to ‘high risk’ under controlled border

  • Northern Territory will be elevated from ‘medium risk’ to ‘high risk’ from 12.01am, Sunday January 9
  • Approved travellers must be double dose vaccinated, complete 14 days’ self-quarantine with G2G Now app and be subject to COVID-19 testing in WA
  • The Northern Territory will be elevated from its current ‘medium risk’ to ‘high risk’ under Western Australia’s controlled border from 12.01am Sunday, January 9.

    The decision to elevate the risk status is based on the latest health advice, after the Northern Territory reported almost 600 new COVID-19 cases today.

    Under the ‘high risk’ setting, travellers must be approved through the G2G Pass system, with exemption list limited to:

    • certain senior Government officials;
    • certain active military personnel;
    • members 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 the State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.

    The final category provides an avenue for return for Western Australians who have travelled to the Northern Territory recently, have roots in WA and have a legitimate right to return, subject to the relevant quarantine conditions and required evidence.

    Under the ‘high risk’ settings, anyone entering from the Northern Territory, or who has travelled through the Northern Territory in the past 14 days, will be subject to the following strict conditions to enter WA:

    • get tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival and on days five and 13;
    • get tested if any symptoms develop while in WA;
    • be double dose vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible;
    • self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
    • a mandatory requirement to use the G2G Now app while in quarantine.  

    The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review border controls.

    For more information about WA’s controlled border arrangements, visit https://www.wa.gov.au

    As stated by Acting Premier Roger Cook:

    “The Northern Territory is now unfortunately seeing a large spike in cases, much like we have seen in other parts of the country recently.

    “Given the escalating situation, the Chief Health Officer has now recommended the Northern Territory be upgraded to ‘high risk’ to protect Western Australia.

    “This additional layer of protection will help WA in its efforts to keep COVID-19 at bay while we increase our vaccination rates, including third doses and vaccinations for 5-11s from Monday.

    “Our border controls have been key to WA’s success in managing COVID-19, and it is important we continue to use this tool while we encourage more Western Australians to get their first, second or third doses.

    “We will continue to monitor the situation in the Northern Territory and right around the country, taking the most up-to-date health advice to keep Western Australians safe.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.