Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory will both be elevated to the 'extreme risk' category under Western Australia's controlled border from 12.01am Saturday, January 8, following the latest health advice.
Both jurisdictions are seeing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases with the arrival and spread of the Omicron variant expected to result in a sustained increase in infections.
Under the 'extreme risk' category, travel from Tasmania or the ACT to WA will not be permitted unless approved under the strictest of conditions.
Exemptions for approved travellers will be further restricted to Commonwealth and State officials, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, and specialist or extraordinary circumstances determined by the State Emergency Coordinator or the Chief Health Officer.
Approved travellers are subject to the following conditions, unless otherwise advised:
- be double dose vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible;
- undertake hotel quarantine at a State facility for 14 days at their expense; and
- get tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival and on days five and 13.
Current approved travellers under the 'high risk' category in Tasmania or the ACT who wish to return to WA should do so urgently.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review the State's controlled border settings. For more information about WA's controlled border, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Acting Premier Roger Cook:
"The Omicron variant is creating case surges across the country including in Tasmania and the ACT where cases continue to increase.
"The latest public health advice is that both States should be elevated to 'extreme risk' under our controlled border arrangements given the growing volume of cases in these jurisdictions.
"The controlled border has been essential in protecting WA since the start of the pandemic and will continue to play a vital role in the lead up to our safe transition.
"I would urge anyone who has not yet done so to look at the situation unfolding in other States and get vaccinated, including your third dose if eligible, to protect yourself, your loved ones and the vulnerable in our community."
