Western Australia has announced restrictions on NSW travellers in the wake of the state’s growing northern beaches outbreak in Sydney.
Premier Mark McGowan said an emergency meeting had been held last night with the state’s Minister for Health, Chief Health Officer, Commissioner of Police and the Director General of Health to “determine the next course of action”.
“The State Government will now take further steps to prevent COVID-19 coming into the WA community,” the Premier said last night.
“Based on the health advice, NSW will now transition from a ‘very low risk’ State to a ‘low risk’ State under our controlled interstate border.”
Under the new rules, which came into effect from midnight last night:
- anyone arriving from New South Wales will now be required to self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
- these arrivals will also be required to be tested for COVID-19 on day 11.
Anyone who has arrived in WA from NSW from December 11, or was in NSW from December 11 and subsequently arrived in WA before midnight last night, will be required to follow updated arrangements, which include:
- the requirement to self-quarantine in a suitable premise as soon as possible;
- to present for a COVID-19 test as soon as possible;
- return to self-quarantine until a negative test result is confirmed;
- undertake a further test on day 11 after arrival in WA.
“The State Government is taking these important and extra cautious steps, based on the most up-to-date expert health advice,” the Premier said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation in New South Wales very closely and provide any further updates when necessary and appropriate.”
Mr McGowan said he was “very concerned there will be many more community cases in NSW”.
“I understand these changes will cause frustration and uncertainty for some people, and be very upsetting for many families looking to reunite and spend Christmas together.”
“This has been a difficult decision to make, but we need to follow the health advice and do what is in the best interest of all Western Australians.
“Thank you for your co-operation and understanding during this difficult time.”
