Tasmania closes borders to WA amid Perth COVID-19 lockdown

Tasmania’s borders with much of Western Australia have closed just 21 hours after the state declared itself open to the nation — as the Premier explains what the new restrictions mean for Tasmanians. LATEST >>

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TASMANIA’S borders with large parts of Western Australia have closed, just 21 hours after the state declared itself open to the nation.

A case of coronavirus infection in a worker at a Perth quarantine hotel has sparked a five-day lockdown in the Perth, Peel and South-West regions of Western Australia.

Tasmania has declared those regions to be high risk.

Visitors will not be allowed to enter the state without permission from the Director of Public health and returning Tasmanians will be required to isolate at home for two weeks.

The 789 people currently in Tasmania who has been in the affected areas of Western Australia since January 25th had been contacted by health authorities.

Those who have visited one of the high-risk locations as identified by the West Australian authorities will be required to quarantine.

Those aboard a flight from Perth at 5.15pm on Monday would be pre-screened via the G2G app, Premier Peter Gutwein said.

“The key message is that these areas have been designated high risk.

“People will not be permitted to enter. Tasmanians coming home will still be allowed, but they will need to quarantine when they arrive here, in suitable premises.

“For the 108 people who arrived at Hobart airport late yesterday afternoon each person has been contacted and has been asked to self-isolate until further contact by public law today to determine their circumstances and any requirements for further self-isolating and testing.

“Non-Tasmania residents who enter the state without approval will be required to go to government-designated quarantine at their own expense or they may be directed to leave the state.”

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown during the COVID-19 update at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein during the COVID-19 update at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein urged visitors from Western Australia to make sure they kept abreast of changes to high-risk locations via that state’s coronavirus website.

He said it was unfortunate to have to import border restrictions, but that was the cost of keeping the state safe.

“On the weekend, on Saturday, we declared that we were open to the rest of the country. “Obviously, with the circumstances in WA that was for 21 hours.

“It is going to be a situation that we will need to manage as we move forward and again I’d make the point that I’m sorry for the disruption but I make no apologies, as I’m sure no other premier or state leader would, in terms of ensuring that we manage matters to keep our communities safe.”

Anyone currently in Tasmania who was in WA on or since 25 January should check the WA risk location list HERE.

Mr Gutwein said each of the 108 people who arrived at Hobart Airport from Perth late yesterday afternoon has been contacted by Public Health, has asked to self-isolate with further updates expected through the day.

Re-watch the update here:

Anyone who was at any of the locations listed at the specific date and time should self-isolate immediately in their accommodation and call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for further advice.

The WA risk location list may change as the WA public health response progresses and it should be checked regularly by anyone who has recently been in WA.

Anyone who wishes to travel to Tasmania who has been in any of these High Risk Areas in the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter Tasmania unless approved by the Deputy State Controller. Any person approved will be required to completed 14 days quarantine upon arrival and be tested.

Importantly, if anyone has any cold or flu symptoms, even mild, contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test.

Further advice will be issued as WA authorities continue contact tracing.

6.30pm Sunday, January 30:

TRAVELLERS who arrived in Hobart from Perth on Sunday afternoon have been asked to self-isolate for the time being, in response to the Perth COVID-19 lockdown.

Perth is under a five-day lockdown after a confirmed case of COVID-19 went to various locations the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmania’s Public Health Services were liaising with colleagues in Western Australia to determine what actions will be taken in response to the Perth COVID-19 situation.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“A flight from Perth has landed in Hobart late this afternoon. 108 passengers have been asked to self-isolate and told they will be contacted by Public Health,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We are also reviewing details around travellers who have arrived in the state recently via Perth and will make contact with them if Public Health determines it’s necessary to ask them to take any action to help minimise any risk.

“I am mindful that the WA Premier is encouraging people from other states and territories not to travel to WA at the moment so I would ask Tasmanians to heed that message and to defer their travel.

“I would also encourage people to keep up to date via coronavirus.tas.gov.au if they are considering travelling to Tasmania after spending time in WA, as it is highly likely there will be restrictions and conditions, such as quarantine, imposed on travellers from WA shortly.”

“As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tasmania will take swift and proportionate action to keep Tasmanians safe.”