WA’s ‘cautious’ border opening

From midnight next Tuesday – and subject to no further outbreaks – travel to WA from Victoria and NSW will be classified as ‘very low risk’ the state’s Premier said today.

He said the transition to the new category followed a review by the Chief Health Officer, after Victoria surpassed 28 days of no community cases and with NSW due to reach that milestone on Friday.

“WA’s border controls have proved highly effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 coming into our State from other Australian jurisdictions,” said Mr McGowan.

“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.”

As a result, WA’s controlled interstate border will be safely adjusted from midnight December 8, with travel from Victoria and NSW 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 ACT, 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.

“Victoria’s success is something all Australians should be proud of,” said Mr McGowan.

“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,” he said.

“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.” 

South Australia will remain a ‘medium risk’ jurisdiction until at least December 11, pending a review of arrangements next week. 

“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,” said Health Minister, Roger Cook.

“We have always acted on the health advice since COVID-19 first arrived in Australia,” he said.

“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.”

More information on travel to WA is available at http://www.wa.gov.au