Western Australia will be introducing a hard border with Queensland from Tuesday in the wake of a COVID-19 outbreak.
The WA Chief Health Officer has deemed Queensland a 'medium risk' State and from 12.01am tomorrow, March 30, travel from Queensland into WA will not be permitted unless you are an exempt traveller.
The exemption list includes:
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certain senior Government officials;
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certain active military personnel;
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a member of the Commonwealth Parliament;
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a person carrying out functions under a law of the Commonwealth;
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a person responsible for transport freight or logistics; and
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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 Tuesday, March 30, must self-quarantine for 14 days, get a COVID-19 test on arrival at Perth Airport, get another test on day 11 after arrival and be tested if any symptoms develop during quarantine.
Anyone who has arrived from Queensland since 12.01am, Saturday March 27 is required to self-quarantine until you have spent 14 days in WA, get a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival and be tested if any symptoms develop during quarantine.
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.
"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," Premier Mark McGowan said.
"If you are a recent arrival from Queensland or are arriving today, before midnight, you are free to depart WA and return to Queensland."
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