Western Australian border opening

Photo Credit: Mark McGowan Facebook Page

WA’s hard border is to come down on March 3.

Premier Mark McGowan made the announcement at a press release on Friday afternoon.

“Following a review of Western Australia's border controls based on the latest health advice, the updated Safe Transition Plan will take effect from 12.01am March 3, 2022,” he said.

“The full border opening plan was previously delayed on January 20 due to rising Omicron cases, hospitalisations and lives lost around Australia, and the uncertainty surrounding the full impact of the new highly transmissible variant.

“WA's short delay of the full border opening has allowed WA's third dose vaccination rate to climb to record levels and given children the opportunity to be vaccinated, while the Omicron wave peaked and declined in the Eastern States.

“Based on the current vaccination pace, WA would achieve a 70 per cent third dose vaccination rate (16+), including 90 per cent for people aged 70 and over, by March 3, providing Western Australians with the best protection possible against the Omicron variant.

“The full border opening will allow for safe travel into WA from interstate and overseas with vaccination and testing requirements on arrival, pending latest health advice.”

The Premier said interstate travel into WA will be permitted with the following requirements:

  • have a registered G2G Pass;

  • be triple dose vaccinated, if eligible; and

  • undertake a rapid antigen test on arrival (within 12 hours and report any positive result).

International travellers into WA will be permitted with the following requirements:

  • meet Commonwealth Government requirements to enter Australia;

  • be fully vaccinated under the Commonwealth requirements, if eligible;

  • have a registered G2G Pass;

  • undertake a rapid antigen test on arrival (within 12 hours and report any positive result); and

  • unvaccinated returning Australians will be required to complete hotel quarantine.

“The State Government is currently providing all interstate and international arrivals with two Rapid Antigen Tests so they can self-administer at home and from March 3, one test will be provided to each arrival to meet the new interim controls,” Mr McGowan said.

“These interim testing arrangements will be in place for a minimum of two weeks and then be subject to an ongoing review.”

Tangiora Hinaki