New South Wales entry to WA border measures strengthened

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Travel from New South Wales into WA will not be allowed unless travellers meet strict exemption criteria, to protect Western Australia and reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering WA.
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New South Wales Changes to Entry Conditions

The latest decision will come into effect from midnight tonight (12.01am Sunday, December 20) and has been put in place based on the latest health advice, following the COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales.

Since 12.01am Friday, December 18 NSW has been classified as a ‘low risk’ state under our controlled interstate border, meaning all arrivals are required to self-quarantine for 14 days in a suitable premise and be tested for COVID-19 on Day 11.

Based on the latest health advice, as of midnight tonight (12.01am Sunday, December 20), NSW will be classified as ‘medium risk’, meaning travel from NSW will no longer be permitted, unless you are an exempt traveller.

This also applies to anyone who may have been in NSW since December 11 and hasn’t completed 14 days in a lower risk state or territory. The exemption list is limited to:

  • certain senior Government Officials;
  • certain active military personnel;
  • a member of the Commonwealth Parliament;
  • a person carrying out functions under a law of the Commonwealth;
  • a person responsible for transport freight or logistics; and
  • 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 New South Wales recently and need to return to WA. These people will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by WA Police and will be required to complete 14 days of self-quarantine and be tested for COVID-19 on arrival and on Day 11.