Western Australia swiftly enforces new border restriction for NSW travellers after shock coronavirus cluster swells to 17 – and it could ruin Christmas for thousands of Aussies
- Anyone who has arrived to WA from NSW since December 11 needs to isolate
- They will need to remain in quarantine until they return a negative COVID test
- Other travellers flying into WA from Sydney airport or NSW need to do the same
- WA Premier Mark McGowan announced tough new measures on Thursday night
Anyone travelling to Western Australia from New South Wales will need to self-isolate until they return a negative coronavirus result.
Premier Mark McGowan announced a series of tough new measures on Thursday night after a new COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The state has recorded 17 new cases linked to an elderly couple around Avalon, who visited a string of locations while awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.
As of Thursday night anyone who has arrived in Western Australia from New South Wales since December 11 must quarantine immediately.
Anyone travelling to Western Australia from New South Wales will need to self-isolate until they return a negative coronavirus result (Pictured: travelers reunite with loved ones at Perth Airport on December 8 after borders reopened)
They will need to get tested within 24 hours and remain in isolation until they return a negative result.
Anyone arriving directly from Sydney Airport or from another Australian airport who was in New South Wales on or after December 11 must also take a COVID-19 test.
This can be done at the Perth Airport on arrival or at another COVID clinic within 24 hours of arriving.
Mr McGowan announced the new rules on Thursday night.
WA implemented new rules after an oubtreak in Sydney’s Northern Beaches (pictured: residents queue for COVID-19 testing on Thursday after a health alert at Palm Beach and Avalon)
‘These are extra precautionary and immediate steps the state government is taking to protect all Western Australians, based on our expert health advice,’ Mr McGowan said.
‘I understand these changes will cause some frustration and uncertainty for some people.
‘We ask for your patience and understanding as we take these steps to protect the health of all Western Australians.’
He said the state government will ‘not hesitate’ to change border controls if health authorities recommend stricter measures.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) announced a series of tough new measures on Thursday night after a new COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney’s Northern Beaches
‘Our Chief Health Officer is in close contact with NSW Health and will provide a further update to the State Government in the next 24 to 48 hours, to determine if further changes are required,’ he said.
Some arrivals to Western Australia were greeted with the tough new rules after landing at Perth airport this afternoon.
Passengers aboard flight JQ988 from Sydney were met by police, who boarded the flight to advise them of their requirements, reported ABC news.
‘The good news is, and I’ll get straight to that, it’s not 14 days OK, it’s a one-day quarantine period,’ passengers were told.
Some arrivals to Western Australia were greeted with the tough new rules after landing at Perth airport this afternoon (pictured: travellers embrace at Perth Airport after restrictions eased on December 8)
‘In that one day quarantine period you must be COVID-tested, which you can do at the airport on the way through.’
New South Wales recorded 17 new coronavirus cases in Sydney, prompting advice for residents in the Northern Beaches to self-isolate immediately.
New South Wales Health urged residents ‘to assist contact tracing and contain any potential spread of COVID-19’ by self isolating at home for at least the next three days on Thursday evening.
Residents are advised to work from home, not to visit elderly relatives, avoid unnecessary gatherings, keep to household groups and avoid unnecessary travel, including travel to high-risk venues.
Anyone arriving to Western Australia directly from Sydney Airport or from another Australian airport who was in New South Wales on or after December 11 must also take a COVID-19 test (pictured: people wear face masks at Sydney Airport on November 23)
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