World News – AU – WA in border alert with Victoria as three cases of COVID-19 community were discovered in Melbourne

WA’s border rules for Victorian arrivals may change as health officials assess the risk of spreading it after three new cases of COVID in the community. 19 were discovered in Melbourne.

None of the infected Victorians had recently traveled to New South Wales, but contract prosecutors are questioning their close contacts and the cases are believed to be related to the northern outbreak.

Health Secretary Roger Cook says the hard line is an important element in keeping WA safe. Photo credit: Peter de Kruijff

The controlled WA-Victoria border will remain the same for now as no quarantine is required on arrival from the eastern state.

A Washington government spokeswoman said acting chief health officer Paul Armstrong has now contacted his Victorian counterparts and is closely monitoring the situation.

« The current entry from Victoria to WA under the currently controlled interstate border regime remains unchanged. However, if changes are required to our border controls based on the health recommendation, they will be made, « she said.

« WA has always taken a particularly cautious approach to keeping our state safe and strong, and we continue to be guided by our expert health advice. « 

The Melbourne falls are in the suburbs of Mitcham, Mentone and Hallam and come as Victoria tightens its border measures with its northern neighbor.

New South Wales recorded 18 new cases on Wednesday, including six in the suburb of Croydon in Sydney’s inner west.

Victoria is currently considered a very low risk jurisdiction but could be upgraded to low risk status if the state continues to register fewer than five cases per day in the community.

A switch to low risk would mean that travelers from Victoria would have to be quarantined at home once in WA for 14 days.

Health Secretary Roger Cook said Wednesday ahead of the Victorian Falls that the ability to set a hard limit was an important element in the safety of Western Australians.

« Although the situation in New South Wales continues to deteriorate, this is a very worrying development, but I can assure the Western Australians that we have responded to the problems emerging in New South Wales and have indicated this as a result of our hard line back in place, « he said.

New South Wales is classified as a medium risk state and only exempt travelers are allowed to enter WA.

Mr Cook has warned New Years Eve celebrants to « not kiss strangers at midnight » and continue to adhere to safe COVID-19 practices on Thursday, when Australia brings in 2021.

« I understand that everyone wants to celebrate New Year’s Eve and you want to be out with friends and family, » he said.

« But it is still important to remember that we remain vigilant, that we continue to adhere to the two-square-meter rule, maintain good physical distance and personal hygiene.

« If you are feeling uncomfortable, it is not the time to party, it is time for you to get tested, stay home and stay away from work and stay away from older relatives. « 

WA Health Secretary Roger Cook has warned New Year celebrants not to kiss strangers in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: AP

Mr Cook urged Western Australians to use the new QR code system to search for venues and register books.

« We urge all companies to make sure they keep their contact records up to date and there are severe penalties for failing to do so, » he said.

About 30. 000 companies use the QR code system and around one million users have registered.

Mr Cook said he was not sure whether any person or company would fail to comply with the Dec.. The registration system that came into force on December 31st had been fined.

« Nothing is perfect in the world of public health, but the QR code is a great way for us to have instant access to everyone who is in a certain place, time, day » he said said.

Victoria, Coronavirus, Western Australia, New South Wales, Melbourne