There is new hope for those living in Western Australia today, with Premier Mark McGowan announcing a carefully calibrated roadmap for living with the pandemic. During today’s press conference, the supreme leader divulged plans to reopen Western Australia’s border for travel early next year.
We endured McGowan’s press conference so you don’t have to. Here’s what we learned:
Lifting the iron curtain
McGowan said WA’s Safe Transition Plan will take effect once Western Australia reaches a 90 per cent double dose vaccination rate. At current estimates, the state is on track to reach that target in late January or early February 2022. In spite of this, the specific date as to when the plan will take effect will be announced and locked in once an 80 per cent double dose vaccination rate is achieved.
“I want to stress the 90 per cent target threshold could be reached earlier or later, but once we hit 80 per cent and then set the specific date for transition, that date will be locked in,” Mr McGowan said.
“I acknowledge some people will be frustrated. They may not be able to be reunited with family from New South Wales or Victoria over Christmas.”
Of course, the roadmap is only theoretical for now. Over the last few years, we’ve all seen how erratic politicians can be when it comes to shutting borders. But I guess a plan to reopen Western Australia for travel is better than no plan at all.
Interstate travel post-transition
Vaccinated travellers will be permitted to enter WA without quarantine, as long as they:
- Provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure
- Provide proof of full vaccination status
- Undertake a PCR test upon arrival into WA
Unvaccinated travellers will not be permitted to enter WA unless they provide proof they are exempt from vaccination for medical reasons. Children under 12 years of age are considered exempt.
International travel post-transition
Vaccinated travellers will be permitted to enter WA without quarantine, as long as they:
- Provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure
- Provide proof of full vaccination status
- Return a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival into WA
No passenger caps are to be placed on the number of vaccinated arrivals.
Unvaccinated returning residents will be permitted to enter WA from overseas, but will be required to:
- Provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure
- Complete 14 days of quarantine at a designated facility and undergo COVID-19 testing, at their own expense.
