Western Australia will introduce a hard border, transitioning Queensland to a medium risk State in the wake of the escalating situation and COVID-19 outbreak.
Following updated advice from the WA Chief Health Officer this morning, Queensland will transition from a 'low risk' State to a 'medium risk' State under WA's controlled interstate border regime, from 12.01am tomorrow (March 30, 2021).
Travel from Queensland will no longer be permitted, unless you are an exempt traveller. This also applies to anyone who may have been in Queensland since March 27 and has not completed 14 days in a 'very low risk' State or Territory. 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 responsible for transport freight or logistics; and
- anyone who is given approval by State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes compassionate reasons - including those Western Australians that may have travelled to Queensland recently and need to return to WA.
Exempt travellers arriving to WA from 12.01am Tuesday, March 30, 2021 must:
- self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
- present for an initial COVID-19 test on arrival at Perth Airport;
- present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).
Anyone who has arrived from Queensland since 12:01am, Saturday March 27 is required to:
- self-quarantine in a suitable premise until you have spent 14 days in WA;
- present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).
Anyone who has arrived in WA from Queensland between March 20 and March 26 (inclusive) will continue to be contacted by WA Police, using the G2G Pass system, with the latest advice regarding new Queensland and Byron Bay locations.
It is important that these people familiarise themselves with the latest exposure sites, as contact tracing continues to uncover more sites. Information can be viewed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing and https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx
People who have been to these exposure locations must get tested immediately, self-quarantine for 14 days and present for a day 11 test.
Self-quarantine is not necessary for anyone who has come into contact with someone who recently arrived from Queensland and COVID-19 testing is only required if symptoms develop.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The reintroduction of a hard border with Queensland is based on the latest health advice.
"We've been monitoring the situation closely and have scaled up our border controls as required, to keep our community safe.
"The hard border measure is necessary and is our best defence in keeping the virus out.
"It's going to be disruptive for many people and put many people's plans in disarray, however we need to put the health of our WA community first.
"If you are a recent arrival from Queensland or are arriving today, before midnight, you are free to depart WA and return to Queensland.
"We are thinking of our friends and family in Queensland as they go into lockdown this evening, they are doing the right thing to keep Queensland safe and protect us all across the country."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The situation in Queensland is moving quickly which is why the Queensland Government has implemented a snap three-day lockdown.
"Western Australia has taken the approach to be extra cautious, based on the latest health advice - this approach has been extremely effective for more than a year now.
"We thank everyone for their patience and understanding because we know these decisions can be disruptive.
"But they are decisions made with best of intentions to keep all Western Australians safe.
"This is a reminder for everyone to be alert to the potential for COVID-19 to emerge at any time in our community.
"So please continue to practise the basics of good hygiene, personal distancing and, if you are feeling unwell, get tested and stay at home."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
