WA announces 25 new local COVID-19 cases as border eases, but many families remain separated
3 years, 1 month ago

WA announces 25 new local COVID-19 cases as border eases, but many families remain separated

ABC  

Western Australia has announced 25 new local cases of COVID-19 on the day the state planned to remove its hard border. The figure accounts for about 60 per cent of the total number of applications for travellers hoping to cross through WA's new hard border, with the remaining applications rejected or still pending. "These people are among the 30 per cent of West Australians who come from overseas and effectively they haven't been able to see their families for over two years," he said. 'It would have been irresponsible': McGowan But Mr McGowan said opening WA's border on Saturday would have been the wrong decision. Mr McGowan said 97.8 per cent of West Australians aged 12 and over had received their first COVID vaccination.

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History of this topic

WA border reopens, but COVID restrictions mean businesses face long road to recovery
3 years ago

WA border reopens, but COVID restrictions mean businesses face long road to recovery

ABC  

Premier Mark McGowan has hailed WA's long-awaited reopening as a "new chapter" for the state. "I know some people think there'll be some sort of tourism nirvana come about, but it's not going to happen," he said earlier in the week. WA COVID-19 snapshot Confirmed cases so far: 1,159,261 Active cases: 2,550 Cases in hospital: 163 Deaths: 658 Third dose, …

WA's hard border is finally down, but Omicron's emergence means it's far from back to normal
3 years ago

WA's hard border is finally down, but Omicron's emergence means it's far from back to normal

ABC  

Two years later, Australia is finally whole again. WA border opening won't signal return to normal Yet even many of those West Australians waking up this morning with a sense of excitement or comfort will know the removal of the hard border will not put everything back to how it was. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was expected to be amongst …

WA border open after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions, bringing tears of joy in Perth
3 years ago

WA border open after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions, bringing tears of joy in Perth

ABC  

Western Australia is open after the state's hard border was removed overnight. Key points: Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted There have been tearful reunions at Perth Airport as the first flights landed There have been tearful reunions at Perth Airport as the first …

SA residents prepare to enter WA as COVID border restrictions lift
3 years ago

SA residents prepare to enter WA as COVID border restrictions lift

ABC  

The West Australian border has reopened after almost two years, prompting a wave of relief as an estimated 100 travellers from South Australia waited to cross over after midnight. Key points: Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted SA motorists waited at the border to travel through early this morning Bordering businesses are welcoming the lift …

Tearful reunions as Western Australia ends COVID border closure
3 years ago

Tearful reunions as Western Australia ends COVID border closure

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s largest state has reopened to fully vaccinated domestic and international travellers, ending one of the world’s longest coronavirus border closures. The airport in Perth, Western Australia’s capital, was the scene of emotional reunions as the first of 22 scheduled domestic flights and five international flights began arriving on Thursday. “We expect about 5,000 domestic and international travellers to arrive …

WA sets new record for COVID-19 cases as state prepares to open its doors
3 years, 1 month ago

WA sets new record for COVID-19 cases as state prepares to open its doors

ABC  

Western Australia has again broken its daily record for COVID-19 cases, with 257 new local infections, as the state recorded what are believed to be its first cases in a remote Aboriginal community in the current outbreak. Key points: There are now at least 877 active infections in Western Australia There are now at least 877 active infections in Western …

WA border opening date is March 3, as Mark McGowan announces new COVID restrictions
3 years, 1 month ago

WA border opening date is March 3, as Mark McGowan announces new COVID restrictions

ABC  

Western Australia's hard border will come down at 12:01am on Thursday March 3, allowing triple-dose vaccinated arrivals from interstate to enter WA without quarantining. "These would include the four square metre rule indoors, mask-wearing measures for years 3 and above, working from home for vulnerable people, and home gatherings reduced to a total of ten people," he said. WA COVID-19 …

Mark McGowan flags WA border opening decision this month amid 48 new local COVID-19 cases
3 years, 1 month ago

Mark McGowan flags WA border opening decision this month amid 48 new local COVID-19 cases

ABC  

An announcement on Western Australia's border reopening will be made sometime this month, Premier Mark McGowan has confirmed. Key points: WA has recorded 62 new COVID-19 cases, with 48 locally acquired WA has recorded 62 new COVID-19 cases, with 48 locally acquired The Premier says there is "no doubt" of a border announcement this month The Premier says there is …

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening
3 years, 1 month ago

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening

ABC  

As Western Australians wonder how the state's eventual border reopening might unfold, pundits often draw on the South Australian experience as the state with not only the most comparable population and density, but a COVID-free existence for major parts of the pandemic. "People want to come to South Australia and I think it's happy days for our state going forward," …

Mark McGowan faces barrage of questions as WA border remains firmly shut to many
3 years, 1 month ago

Mark McGowan faces barrage of questions as WA border remains firmly shut to many

ABC  

After a week that saw a single COVID-19 case close a school and Western Australia likened to North Korea, it is hard to believe WA's borders were supposed to open today. When the reopening date was announced on December 13, former WA Health Minister Roger Cook warned the state's COVID-free bubble was "about to burst". Although the Premier is yet …

COVID-19 confusion takes over as WA changes course on multiple fronts behind hard border
3 years, 1 month ago

COVID-19 confusion takes over as WA changes course on multiple fronts behind hard border

ABC  

Western Australia has had two years to prepare for this. And a previous desire to immediately do anything possible to "crush and kill" the virus has been replaced by a reluctance to bring in harsher restrictions, with major events allowed to proceed even as COVID-19 significantly spreads in WA for the first time in two years. Few details of the …

WA records 13 new COVID-19 cases including mystery infection in South West region
3 years, 2 months ago

WA records 13 new COVID-19 cases including mystery infection in South West region

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded 13 new local cases of COVID-19 amid a surge in infections, including one mystery case in the state's South West. "Modest restrictions now may reduce the need for harsher restrictions later by flattening the curve and pushing the peak further away," AMA WA president Mark Duncan-Smith said. Premier Mark McGowan last week rejected the AMA WA's …

Mark McGowan's WA border backflip may have unforeseen consequences for tackling COVID-19
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark McGowan's WA border backflip may have unforeseen consequences for tackling COVID-19

ABC  

For two years, West Australians have come through time and time again when asked by authorities to do the unprecedented. Promise lies in ruins Premier Mark McGowan has repeatedly said that the key to WA's success in avoiding COVID-19 getting out of control was ordinary West Australians "doing the right thing". West Australians were promised that once the state reached …

WA's COVID-19 border will stay shut indefinitely. What now, and when might the state reopen?
3 years, 2 months ago

WA's COVID-19 border will stay shut indefinitely. What now, and when might the state reopen?

ABC  

Two years into the pandemic, Western Australia once again has been left indefinitely closed off to the rest of the world. Late last year, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced a February 5 reopening to interstate and international travellers, describing that date at the time as "locked in". But in an extraordinary evening press conference barely two weeks from that date, …

WA border opening delay disrupts travel plans for thousands as medically vulnerable back decision
3 years, 2 months ago

WA border opening delay disrupts travel plans for thousands as medically vulnerable back decision

ABC  

Molly Richter was all set for her new life with her fiance in Western Australia. Key points: WA was due to allow travellers in after reopening on February 5 WA was due to allow travellers in after reopening on February 5 The Premier says Omicron means it will be delayed indefinitely The Premier says Omicron means it will be delayed …

Mark McGowan announces delay to WA border opening amid fears Omicron will 'cripple' state
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark McGowan announces delay to WA border opening amid fears Omicron will 'cripple' state

ABC  

The planned reopening of Western Australia's border to the rest of the world on February 5 will be delayed indefinitely, Premier Mark McGowan has announced. Key points: WA's reopening to the rest of the country has been delayed indefinitely WA's reopening to the rest of the country has been delayed indefinitely Relaxed travel exemptions will take effect on February 5 …

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet
3 years, 2 months ago

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet

ABC  

Travellers hoping to lock in plans to head to Western Australia when the state's borders reopen on February 5 are being blocked by the government's approval system. Key points: The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen However, travellers applying to enter Western Australia after the …

WA announces mandatory COVID booster shots for some workers, extends hard border across country
3 years, 3 months ago

WA announces mandatory COVID booster shots for some workers, extends hard border across country

ABC  

Western Australia has become the first jurisdiction to introduce mandatory COVID-19 booster shots for certain sectors of its population. Key points: Booster shots will become compulsory for essential workers in WA Booster shots will become compulsory for essential workers in WA All WA borders will be closed from Boxing Day All WA borders will be closed from Boxing Day Four …

How life will change on WA border open date, when a raft of COVID restrictions will take effect
3 years, 3 months ago

How life will change on WA border open date, when a raft of COVID restrictions will take effect

ABC  

After two years, Western Australia's hard border is finally coming down. From Saturday, February 5, interstate and overseas visitors will finally be allowed to travel to WA with relative freedom — ending the "island within an island" COVID-mitigation approach Mark McGowan has championed since the start of the pandemic. After almost two years of restricted travel under WA's hard border, …

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?
3 years, 3 months ago

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?

ABC  

South Australia this week went where no other state — possibly no other jurisdiction — has gone before. Key points: SA opened its borders to NSW, ACT and Victoria last Tuesday As of Saturday, 10 positive cases had been recorded in interstate travellers Close contacts of positive cases still need to quarantine After enjoying months without a single case of …

NSW, Victoria and ACT tighten international arrival rules as states and territories respond to Omicron variant
3 years, 3 months ago

NSW, Victoria and ACT tighten international arrival rules as states and territories respond to Omicron variant

ABC  

Australian states and territories are reimposing border rules in response to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has now been detected in a growing number of countries across the world. Key points: International arrivals into Victoria and NSW will now be required to self-isolate for at least 72 hours, regardless of vaccination status Those from nine African countries where …

Western Australia tightens border with South Australia after new COVID cases amid Omicron fears
3 years, 3 months ago

Western Australia tightens border with South Australia after new COVID cases amid Omicron fears

ABC  

Western Australia will force all arrivals from South Australia to isolate for 14 days under tightened border rules. Key points: WA Premier Mark McGowan says his state must act with an "abundance of caution" due to fears about the Omicron variant The "low-risk" designation means arrivals from South Australia must be tested and self-isolate Existing approvals for people due to …

Have COVID-19 border closure policies affected your life in Australia? We'd like to hear from you
3 years, 4 months ago

Have COVID-19 border closure policies affected your life in Australia? We'd like to hear from you

ABC  

Were you stranded overseas after the federal government closed Australia's borders? Or perhaps as a new Australian, you found yourself stranded from family back home here within the nation's borders? Many families have been stranded from one another since the pandemic began Photo shows A young Korean male and female smiling on a train. But he's never been able to …

WA's COVID roadmap explained: When will Premier Mark McGowan open the state's borders?
3 years, 4 months ago

WA's COVID roadmap explained: When will Premier Mark McGowan open the state's borders?

ABC  

COVID-19 is coming to Western Australia. So that might mean WA actually opens before the 90 per cent threshold, perhaps even not far past 80 per cent. But the state's sluggish vaccine rollout is still some way short of either of those targets, with WA only having passed the 65 per cent threshold this week. And the government has also …

Mark McGowan eyes soft landing with COVID-19 roadmap to opening WA's border
3 years, 4 months ago

Mark McGowan eyes soft landing with COVID-19 roadmap to opening WA's border

ABC  

Whatever you want to call it, the days are now numbered. The plan, he said, was to open the border when 90 per cent of the state's population aged 12 and above was fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Easing border restrictions with 80 per cent of the state's population vaccinated would result in more than twice the number of cases in …

Mark McGowan announces plan for Western Australia to reopen border at 90 per cent COVID-19 vaccination rate
3 years, 4 months ago

Mark McGowan announces plan for Western Australia to reopen border at 90 per cent COVID-19 vaccination rate

ABC  

Premier Mark McGowan says Western Australia will open up its borders when 90 per cent of the state's population aged above 12 years old is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Key points: WA will reopen its border when the vaccination rate reaches 90 per cent That could be achieved in late January or early February A specific date will be set …

Australia is reopening to the world, but domestic border rules are still keeping families apart
3 years, 4 months ago

Australia is reopening to the world, but domestic border rules are still keeping families apart

ABC  

Being across the country from your partner for any length of time with two young kids at home is tricky for any couple, but for Melbourne resident Kris*, it was simply part of life. A country cut in half As Australia's borders open today after almost 600 days, Western Australia's strict border rules have left many questioning why Australians will …

WA may enforce hard border with all states and territories that ease restrictions for Christmas
3 years, 4 months ago

WA may enforce hard border with all states and territories that ease restrictions for Christmas

ABC  

The WA Premier says Western Australia may close its border to jurisdictions that are planning to ease border restrictions in time for Christmas. Key points: Mark McGowan is worried about community spread in states with open borders Mark McGowan is worried about community spread in states with open borders WA will not open up until the vaccination rate is at …

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas
3 years, 5 months ago

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas

ABC  

The WA Premier has again ruled out opening the border to higher risk states in time for Christmas, while announcing travellers from Queensland will no longer need to quarantine from this Friday. Key points: WA will not open to NSW and Victoria in time for Christmas But Queensland will be reclassified as very low risk from Friday It means travellers …

WA's COVID-19 rules likely to fluctuate once state border reopens
3 years, 5 months ago

WA's COVID-19 rules likely to fluctuate once state border reopens

ABC  

WA Premier Mark McGowan has flagged that COVID-19 restrictions will be beefed up and toned down depending on the rate of local transmission once the state's borders reopen. Key points: There is no date as yet when WA's borders will reopen There is no date as yet when WA's borders will reopen But when they do, restrictions may start at …

Covid: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath hints at the state's border reopening date
3 years, 5 months ago

Covid: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath hints at the state's border reopening date

Daily Mail  

The Queensland government has hinted at its plans for re-opening the state's borders as NSW celebrates freedom day after hitting its 70 per cent vaccination target. Health Minister Yvette D'Ath says unvaccinated Queenslanders need to get the jab within 'five to six weeks' to protect themselves from a surge of Delta cases as locked-down parts of Australia begin to reopen. …

WA's road out of COVID paved with uncertainties as December milestone looms
3 years, 5 months ago

WA's road out of COVID paved with uncertainties as December milestone looms

ABC  

The days are getting longer and warmer, Santa-shaped confectionery has appeared at checkouts and the family group chat about who's hosting Christmas lunch is in full swing. "Western Australia will open up internationally at some point in time — it's probably just a difference of months between us and other states," Mr McGowan said on Friday. But in budget estimates …

Coronavirus Australia: WA premier Mark McGowan says border could stay closed until April 2022
3 years, 6 months ago

Coronavirus Australia: WA premier Mark McGowan says border could stay closed until April 2022

Daily Mail  

Hardline premier Mark McGowan has confirmed Western Australia will likely remain closed off from the rest of the country for up to another seven months. WA Premier Mark McGowan said his state won't open the border until likely April next year - and only if 80-90 per cent of the state are fully-vaccinated Western Australia faces being cut off from …

COVID border might stay in WA 'a few months' beyond rest of country until 'overwhelming majority' vaccinated, Premier says
3 years, 6 months ago

COVID border might stay in WA 'a few months' beyond rest of country until 'overwhelming majority' vaccinated, Premier says

ABC  

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan admits the state is likely to be "a few months" behind the rest of the country in opening its borders, saying it would be "complete madness" to let COVID-19 in. Key points: The Premier wants to wait until an "overwhelming majority" is vaccinated The Premier wants to wait until an "overwhelming majority" is vaccinated WA's …

COVID-19 vaccinations among measures for NSW travellers set to be unveiled by WA government
3 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 vaccinations among measures for NSW travellers set to be unveiled by WA government

ABC  

WA Health Minister Roger Cook has flagged COVID-19 vaccination requirements will form part of new measures to further tighten the state's hard border with New South Wales. Key points: WA is expected to announce new rules for travel from NSW as early as today WA is expected to announce new rules for travel from NSW as early as today The …

Queensland to close New South Wales border, changes COVID-19 social distancing rules despite recording no new cases
3 years, 8 months ago

Queensland to close New South Wales border, changes COVID-19 social distancing rules despite recording no new cases

ABC  

Queensland will close its border to New South Wales and shake up its mask-wearing and social distancing rules in response to the "escalating" COVID-19 threat posed by the Sydney outbreak. Key points: Queensland declares NSW a hotspot and shuts its border for a month Zone created to allow border communities to travel between the states for essential reasons Restrictions on …

Victoria closes border to NSW as COVID-19 outbreak worsens
3 years, 8 months ago

Victoria closes border to NSW as COVID-19 outbreak worsens

ABC  

Victorian health authorities have closed the state's border with New South Wales. Key points: The effective border closure came into effect at 11:59pm on Sunday night Premier Dan Andrews warned people not to do the wrong thing Victoria recorded its 11th straight day of no new local coronavirus infections on Sunday The Department of Health says with case numbers continuing …

Perth COVID lockdown to end at midnight, WA Premier Mark McGowan announces at press conference
3 years, 8 months ago

Perth COVID lockdown to end at midnight, WA Premier Mark McGowan announces at press conference

ABC  

Perth's "circuit-breaking" four-day lockdown will end at midnight after WA recorded one new local case of COVID-19 since yesterday, Premier Mark McGowan has announced. Next three days 'crucial' to determine future freedoms Mr McGowan said he understood the four-square-metre rule and 20-person capacity limit would be "difficult" for many businesses. Mr McGowan said the next three days would be crucial …

WA government imposes restrictions on Perth, Peel region as woman tests positive for COVID-19
3 years, 8 months ago

WA government imposes restrictions on Perth, Peel region as woman tests positive for COVID-19

ABC  

The WA government has imposed new COVID-19 restrictions on people in Perth and the Peel region after a woman tested positive to coronavirus. WA COVID-19 snapshot Confirmed cases so far: 1,159,261 Active cases: 2,550 Cases in hospital: 163 Deaths: 658 Third dose, WA population aged 16+: 83.8 per cent Fourth dose, WA population aged 30+: 31.2 per cent Latest information …

SA closes borders to Queensland, WA, the NT and the ACT in addition to NSW after 'deterioration' in COVID situation
3 years, 8 months ago

SA closes borders to Queensland, WA, the NT and the ACT in addition to NSW after 'deterioration' in COVID situation

ABC  

South Australia has closed its borders to Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT because of a "very significant deterioration" in the COVID–19 situation across Australia, the state's Premier says. Key points: Tough border restrictions will be in place for people coming to SA Only visitors from Tasmania will be allowed to come in without testing or quarantine …

Queensland records two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases linked to Portuguese restaurant
3 years, 8 months ago

Queensland records two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases linked to Portuguese restaurant

ABC  

Queensland has recorded two new cases of community transmission of COVID-19 linked to a cluster stemming from a leak from hotel quarantine last weekend. Queensland COVID-19 snapshot In latest reporting period: Deaths: 11 11 New cases: 5,698 Queensland's vaccine rollout: First dose: 93.2 per cent 93.2 per cent Second dose: 92.7 per cent Latest case information from Queensland Health. School …

Melbourne's path out of COVID-19 restrictions was looking clear — then suddenly it wasn't
3 years, 9 months ago

Melbourne's path out of COVID-19 restrictions was looking clear — then suddenly it wasn't

ABC  

Melburnians are awaking to some welcome new freedoms today after a tough two-week "circuit-breaker" coronavirus lockdown. The new cases were unwelcome news on Melbourne's last day of lockdown and authorities swiftly walked back their positive attitude about Melbourne's restrictions easing again in a week. This tweak to the restrictions was described as "a small thing" by Deputy Chief Health Officer …

Western Australia announces new travel restrictions with Victoria after local Melbourne COVID cases
3 years, 9 months ago

Western Australia announces new travel restrictions with Victoria after local Melbourne COVID cases

ABC  

Western Australia is imposing border restrictions on Victoria in response to the latest Melbourne COVID-19 outbreak, with arrivals from that state to be forced to isolate until they produce a negative result. Key points: Anyone arriving from Victoria will need to be tested for COVID-19 They will need to isolate until they return a negative test result People who arrived …

Perth COVID lockdown update: No new cases of community spread
3 years, 10 months ago

Perth COVID lockdown update: No new cases of community spread

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded no new community cases of COVID-19 amid a growing outbreak of the virus in Perth. WA Premier Mark McGowan said he wanted to see more testing completed, and that it was "too early to predict what will happen on Tuesday", when the lockdown is due to end. "If you've been to an exposure location that the …

Perth lockdown: COVID-19 cases force other states and territories to impose border and travel restrictions
3 years, 11 months ago

Perth lockdown: COVID-19 cases force other states and territories to impose border and travel restrictions

ABC  

News of Perth and Peel's snap three-day lockdown has forced the other states and territories into action. They also urged "all travellers who have arrived from the Perth and Peel regions since 17 April to check the WA website and immediately follow the actions outlined", and called on anyone who had attended any of the identified venues to contact NSW …

WA coronavirus hard border with Queensland to be reimposed after new cases spark lockdown
3 years, 11 months ago

WA coronavirus hard border with Queensland to be reimposed after new cases spark lockdown

ABC  

Western Australia will reintroduce a hard border barring travel from Queensland from midnight tonight. Key points: Only exempt travellers will be allowed to enter WA from Queensland The Premier says the hard border is WA's "best defence" against COVID-19 A three-day lockdown is being introduced in Greater Brisbane WA Premier Mark McGowan said Queensland would transition from a "low risk" …

Mark McGowan defends Queensland border restrictions as 'party' details revealed as false
3 years, 11 months ago

Mark McGowan defends Queensland border restrictions as 'party' details revealed as false

ABC  

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has defended the state government's decision to tighten border restrictions with Queensland, saying the situation remains "concerning". Key points: WA Premier Mark McGowan says the Queensland COVID-19 cluster remains concerning He says tighter border restrictions were based on the movements of the positive cases The Premier says there is no need for a hard border …

WA to move to controlled border with Victoria on Monday with the State to be reclassified as 'low-risk''
4 years, 2 months ago

WA to move to controlled border with Victoria on Monday with the State to be reclassified as 'low-risk''

ABC  

Western Australia will move to a controlled border with Victoria from Monday. Key points: WA's hard border with Victoria will fall at 12.01am on Monday WA's hard border with Victoria will fall at 12.01am on Monday Victorian arrivals will still need to quarantine and submit to a COVID-19 test Victorian arrivals will still need to quarantine and submit to a …

WA Premier Mark McGowan apologises to Queensland travellers over 'draconian' border
4 years, 2 months ago

WA Premier Mark McGowan apologises to Queensland travellers over 'draconian' border

ABC  

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has apologised to travellers from Queensland for the "heartbreak" caused by the reimposition of WA's hard border with the state, amid a "very difficult and unpredictable situation". Key points: WA has closed its border with Queensland WA has closed its border with Queensland A total of 3,197 COVID-19 tests were conducted at WA's public clinics …

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