- Hard border to come into place with Queensland due to evolving situation
- Only approved travellers permitted and subject to strict requirements
- Approved travellers must be double dose vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19, self-quarantine for 14 days and undertake further testing
- Tasmania will also transition from 'very low risk' to 'low risk'
- Changes to take effect from 12.01am on Monday, December 20, 2021
- Cautious approach given growing concerns around the transmission of Omicron
Based on the latest health advice, border controls with Queensland and Tasmania will strengthen from 12.01am Monday, December 20.
Travel from Queensland will not be permitted, unless a person is an approved traveller.
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 carrying out a limited range of specialist functions, and a person given approval by the State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
Any Western Australian who has recently travelled to Queensland is eligible to return under compassionate grounds and must apply through the G2G Pass system.
Approved travellers arriving in WA from 12.01am Monday, December 20, 2021 via Queensland must:
- be double dose vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible;
- provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to departure;
- self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
- present for an initial COVID-19 test within 48 hours;
- present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 12 after arrival in WA.
Border controls with Tasmania will also tighten from 12.01am, Monday December 20, transitioning from 'very low risk' to 'low risk'.
The elevation is part of a cautious approach as Tasmania now has relaxed border and quarantine requirements with COVID-positive jurisdictions.
The 'low risk' setting for Tasmania means travel is only permitted on the following strict conditions:
- travellers must be double dose vaccinated (for eligible people);
- present for a COVID-19 test on arrival (within 48 hours) and on day 12;
- self-quarantine for 14 days in a suitable premise;
- complete a G2G Pass prior to arrival, stipulating they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions they have visited in the previous 14 days; and
- land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint for a health screening and to have their G2G Pass checked before proceeding to their self-quarantine.
It is important that recent travellers from Tasmania familiarise themselves with the latest exposure sites reported by Tasmania Health at Case alerts - public exposure sites in Tasmania | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Anyone who has not been to these sites but develops any symptoms or is experiencing any symptoms, even mild, that could be related to COVID-19, is advised to get tested and quarantine until they return a negative test.
WA's border arrangements are enacted under the Emergency Management Act and failure to follow these directions will be enforceable by law, with penalties ranging from $1,000 infringements to up to $50,000 fines for individuals.
More information on WA's controlled borders is available at https://www.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"We are seeing surging case numbers in States with community transmission, and it's expected that case numbers will continue to rise in these jurisdictions.
"Queensland has recorded an increase in local cases following the easing of quarantine requirements with COVID-positive jurisdictions.
"In order to keep Western Australians safe ahead of our Safe Transition Plan being implemented, border controls will be strengthened with Queensland and Tasmania.
"Our priority is to keep Western Australia safe and remain free of COVID in the community while our vaccination rate continues to climb up to 90 per cent.
"With growing concerns in Australia with the Omicron variant, it's vital everyone gets vaccinated and ensure they get their third dose as soon as eligible."
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"As we see growing case numbers throughout Australia, we cannot become complacent.
"It's important everyone follows the health advice, gets vaccinated and takes every precaution to keep WA safe.
"The WA Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review border controls."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Health Minister's office - 6552 6500
