The Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced on Friday (5th November 2021) that the State will open its borders when 90 per cent of the state’s population aged above 12 years old is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 which is expected to be achieved by late January or early February 2022.
A specific “transition day” to reopen to domestic and international travellers would be announced after an 80 per cent double dose vaccination rate was reached.
“Transition day” will see the following restrictions introduced:
- Face masks would be required again in “high-risk indoor settings” including on public transport, hospitals and aged care facilities;
- Vaccination proof will be needed to get into nightclubs, the casino, and large events with crowds of more than 1,000 people like at the football or a concert;
- Contact registers and the SafeWA app will still be in place at all public venues;
- Revised COVID-19 event and safety plans will be needed;
- Entry to remote Aboriginal communities will be restricted “where necessary”.
Additional measures were announced that may be introduced which could include:
- Increased use of face masks in other scenarios;
- Capacity and density limits on businesses and venues;
- Additional proof of vaccination requirements;
- Rapid COVID-19 testing at workplaces.
All arrivals would be required to complete a G2G pass.
For interstate arrivals:
- Travellers would need to be double-vaccinated;
- Return a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure
- Undertake a COVID test within 48 hours of entry
For overseas arrivals:
- Return a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure
- Undertake a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of entry
- Double vaccinated international travellers will not be required to quarantine
- International travellers who are NOT double vaccinated will be required to complete 14 days quarantine in a ‘designated facility’
Written by Adam Byrnes
Principal Immigration Lawyer
a week ago
