WA on border alert with Victoria as three COVID-19 community cases detected in Melbourne

“Currently travel into WA from Victoria under the current controlled interstate border regime remains the same, however, if changes to our border controls are required based on the health advice, they will be made,” she said.

“WA has always taken an extra cautious approach, to keep our state safe and strong, and we continue to be guided by our expert health advice.”

The Melbourne cases are located in the suburbs of Mitcham, Mentone and Hallam and come as Victoria tightens its border measures with its northern neighbour.

New South Wales recorded 18 new cases on Wednesday, including six in the suburb of Croydon in Sydney’s inner west.

Victoria is currently considered a very low risk jurisdiction but could be upgraded to a low risk status if the state continues to record less than five community cases per day.

A switch to low risk would mean travellers from Victoria would need to quarantine at home for 14 days once in WA.

Health Minister Roger Cook said on Wednesday, prior to the Victorian cases, that the ability to put up a hard border was an important element to keeping West Australians safe.

“Indeed as we see the situation in New South Wales continue to deteriorate, it’s a very concerning development, but I can assure West Australians we have responded to the emerging issues in New South Wales and as a result of that we have put our hard border back in place,” he said.

New South Wales is considered a medium risk state and only exempted travellers from the state are allowed to enter WA.

Keep your lips to yourself on New Year’s Eve

Mr Cook has warned New Year’s Eve revellers not to “kiss strangers at the stroke of midnight” on Thursday when Australia brings in 2021 and to continue to observe safe COVID-19 practices.

“I understand everyone wants to party during New Year’s Eve and you want to get out and about with friends and family,” he said.

“But it is still important to remember that we stay vigilant, that we continue to observe the two square metre rule, continue to observe good physical distancing and personal hygiene.

“If you are feeling unwell, it is not the time to party, it is time for you to get tested, to stay home and stay away from work and stay away from older relatives.”

Mr Cook urged West Australians to check into venues using the new QR code system and register books.

“We require all businesses to make sure that they keep their contact registers up to date and there are serious penalties if they neglect to do so,” he said.

About 30,000 businesses are using the QR code system and about one million users have registered.

Mr Cook said he was unsure if any individuals or businesses had been fined for not complying with the registration system, which came into force on December 5.

“Nothing is perfect in the world of public health, but the QR code is a great way for us to have instant access to all people that are at a particular site, at a particular time, on a particular day,” he said.