Western Australia has closed its border with NSW after the number of coronavirus infections related to an outbreak in Sydney rose to 31.
The reintroduction of the hard limit took effect on Wednesday with immediate effect and reclassified NSW as a “medium risk” jurisdiction.
Travel from anywhere in NSW is no longer permitted, except for exempt travelers, including senior government officials, active military personnel, federal politicians, and freight workers.
Exceptions can also be made for compassionate reasons, including for Western Australians who must return home.
These travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and to present two coronavirus tests during that period.
The edict applies to anyone who has been in NSW since 12:01 p.m. on June 11, including those who have since traveled through other jurisdictions including the ACT.
“Of course these immediate changes will cause inconvenience, but the hard border is necessary to protect the health of Western Australians,” said Prime Minister Mark McGowan.
“I want to thank everyone for their understanding.”
Individuals arriving before the hard border from NSW should continue to follow existing instructions, including a 14-day quarantine for anyone who has visited exposure sites.
NSW recorded 13 new cases on Wednesday, eight of which attended a weekend birthday party dubbed the “Super Spreader Event”.
The so-called Bondi cluster now stands at 31 after an unvaccinated limousine driver tested positive for the highly contagious Delta variant at Sydney Airport last week, which was quickly spreading in a busy shopping mall.
Residents living or working in seven local government areas cannot leave the metropolitan area unless clearly necessary.
Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand have also imposed travel bans from large parts of Sydney.
Mr McGowan has indicated that WA’s quarantine restrictions on Victorians are likely to be relaxed soon as the state’s outbreak has been largely contained.
Australian Associated Press