Long-separated West Australians are set for emotional reunions after the state’s hard borders came down early this morning.
WA has been closed to the rest of the nation for seven months, including to West Australians who were denied entry for compassionate reasons.
About 2,000 passengers, including those from overseas, are expected to arrive at Perth Airport this afternoon.
“Western Australia is ready to take the next step forward,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
“Our controlled interstate border is a cautious and safe step. It is balanced and sensible.
“The time is right.”
People who have recently been in NSW or Victoria will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days at a suitable premises under the new “controlled border” regime.
They will also be required to undertake COVID-19 tests upon arrival and on day 11 of their quarantine period.
Arrivals from all other states and territories – deemed “very low risk” jurisdictions – will not be required to quarantine.
However, they must undergo health screening, a temperature check and complete an application declaring their recent travel.
WA implemented a hard border regime in early April, denying entry to anyone except required workers and the few individuals granted exemptions on compassionate grounds.
Police have warned that anyone failing to disclose recently travelling through NSW or Victoria faces a large fine or potentially even imprisonment.
The quarantine requirement for those states will only be removed once they go at least 28 days with no community spread, as all other jurisdictions have achieved.
Victoria has now gone 15 days with no new cases.
“It’s not automatic that at 28 days, Victoria instantly becomes (lower-risk),” Mr McGowan said.
“We’ll take health advice closer to that date and make a decision based on the circumstances at that time.”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at https://sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW,Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania
