Western Australia has strengthened its border controls as the state of Victoria battles to bring a COVID-19 outbreak under control.
Premier Mark McGowan said that from 10am today, Victoria was now considered a ‘medium risk’ state.
“In light of the growing outbreak in Victoria and based on the latest health advice, WA will implement a hard border with Victoria from 10am today,” Mr McGowan said.
“This is in line with our approach to the Victorian outbreak over the New Year period and at the beginning of the NSW northern beaches outbreak.
“I understand that this will be inconvenient for many people, and I take no pleasure in putting in place these measures, but we must do all we can to protect all Western Australians.
“If you have come into contact with someone who recently arrived from Victoria, you only need to be tested for COVID-19 if symptoms develop.
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 May 16, 2021 and has not completed 14 days’ 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 responsible for transport freight or logistics; and
- anyone who is given approval by State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes compassionate reasons – including those Western Australians that may have travelled to Victoria recently and need to return to WA. These people will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by WA Police, and will be required to complete 14 days of self-quarantine and be tested for COVID-19 on arrival and on day 11.
Effective immediately, anyone who has arrived from Victoria between May 16, 2021 and 6pm on May 25 or was in Victoria from May 16, 2021 and has since arrived in WA will be required to do the following:
- get a COVID-19 test within 48 hours and self-quarantine until they return a negative result;
- anyone who has visited any of the exposure sites in Victoria during the relevant times should get tested immediately for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days from their date of exposure;
- people who have visited an exposure site must also get a COVID-19 test on day two and day 11 of their 14-day self-quarantine.
Anyone who has arrived from Victoria since May 16, 2021 should monitor their symptoms and will be contacted by WA Police, using the G2G Pass declaration system in place in WA, with the latest advice.
Health Minister, Roger Cook said the Western Australian Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation closely and determine if further adjustments were required based on the circumstances in Victoria.
“The situation in Victoria is very serious and that is why we must take every precaution to protect Western Australians,” Minister Cook said.
“The Victorian outbreak highlights that COVID-19 remains a serious risk to our community.
“WA enjoys an enviable lifestyle that we all want to protect and that’s why we need to take every precaution and not become complacent.
“I urge everyone to use the SafeWA app to check in when out and about, and when your time comes to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
