Western Australia has introduced an interim border control measure, following a further community transmission case identified in Queensland.
Effective immediately all new arrivals from Queensland will be required to be tested for COVID-19 immediately (within 48 hours) and self-quarantine for 14 days or until a negative test result is returned.
The interim border control measure is based on the latest health advice from the WA Chief Health Officer, who has been in contact with his counterpart in Queensland. It will be in place until at least 12.01am Tuesday March 30, 2021.
Further border control measures could be introduced, based on updated health advice.
The WA Government will not hesitate to take further action and move Queensland from 'very low risk' to 'low risk' if necessary, based on the health advice.
If this were to occur, all Queensland arrivals would need to self-quarantine for a full 14 days, no matter the result of their COVID-19 test.
Directions issued yesterday remain in place and continue to apply to anyone who visited the nominated locations since March 20, 2021.
For this group of people, they need to be tested immediately and self-quarantine for the full 14 days from the time they were at the high-risk location. These travellers will also be required to undertake a day 11 test.
The list of locations can be found here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Based on health advice, we have introduced an interim border control measure with Queensland to keep WA safe.
"The situation in Queensland continues to unfold, I thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time as we do what is necessary to help WA remain free from community transmission.
"Thanks to our border controls and strong health response, Western Australia has been free from community transmission for more than 11 months - we want to keep it that way.
"The health and safety of the WA community will always be our number one priority.
"I understand this new measure will be frustrating for some, but it is crucial we all do our bit to keep our friends, family and our community safe.
"People need to heed the health advice which has kept us safe. We need to stay the course."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We will continue to take a cautious approach on the best medical advice to take every action possible to prevent community spread of COVID-19 in our State.
"It's so important for anyone who has been to the specific locations listed by the QLD Government, that they go get tested and remain in self-quarantine for 14 days.
"It's also crucial for any arrivals from Queensland in the last 14 days to monitor their own health and if any symptoms present, they should go get tested immediately.
"The unfolding situation in Queensland is a reminder for us all to monitor our health, and if we develop symptoms to get a COVID test.
"It's important we all heed the health advice to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
