Border rules change between Victoria and WA
Victorians going to Western Australia will face two weeks of quarantine after WA Premier Mark McGowan announced border changes this afternoon.
“As a result of the new local cases of COVID-19 recorded in Victoria today, we are upgrading our border controls to keep our state safe,” Mr McGowan wrote on Twitter.
“Effective immediately, Victoria has been re-classified as a ‘low risk’ jurisdiction.”
This means all people entering Western Australia from Victoria will have to quarantine for 14 days and will face mandatory testing.
“In addition, anyone who was at any exposure site in Victoria and has since travelled to Western Australia is required to get tested immediately and self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure,” Mr McGowan wrote.
“All recent arrivals from Victoria should monitor for symptoms and present for testing immediately if any develop.”
Travellers from Victoria to WA who were in the air when the new border rules came into force will be briefed by police on landing, WA Commissioner Chris Dawson has said.
Commissioner Dawson said the passengers would then be tested immediately at the airport.
Those unable to be tested immediately are expected to get a test within 48 hours.
Commissioner Dawson has urged Western Australians not to leave the state for an at-risk jurisdiction, saying they could face restrictions on return.
“By law I cannot prevent Western Australians from leaving,” he said.
But he warned that by travelling, residents could bring the virus back into the state.
Mr McGowan said he understood the changes may be “disruptive” for families, but that strong border controls were an important part of keeping Western Australia safe.
Tomorrow night’s AFL match between Geelong and Fremantle is set to go ahead, Mr McGowan has confirmed.
The Geelong club, arriving from Victoria tonight, will be sent straight into isolation and get tested, and after returning a negative test, will be permitted to play.
A crowd will also be allowed at the ground.
Mr McGowan admitted the new border rules with Victoria may have caught other travelers, including some currently in the air, “off guard”.
It comes after Victoria recorded seven new local cases of COVID-19 today.
Western Australia only recently lifted its remaining restrictions after a snap lockdown.
