ACT Health has extended its quarantine requirements for international travellers with mandatory COVID-19 testing to restrict the spread of the Omicron variant of concern.
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International travellers arriving into NSW or Victoria who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and/or Malawi during the 14-day period before arrival must not travel to the ACT until quarantine requirements have been completed at their port of entry.
This is consistent with measures put in place by the Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian governments.
All international travellers entering NSW and Victoria will need to isolate for 72 hours and take a COVID-19 test.
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All other fully vaccinated international travellers who wish to enter the ACT will first need to follow the requirements of the jurisdiction of their port of entry to Australia.
If permitted to onward travel to the ACT, they must:
- Complete an online declaration form within 24 hours prior to arrival into the ACT (the form will be available by noon, December 1).
- Travel directly to their ACT residence/accommodation to complete a three-day quarantine period, with day zero being the day of arrival into Australia.
- Undergo testing for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival in Australia.
- Undergo a further COVID-19 test on day six after arrival into Australia.
- All residents in the household where a returned traveller is quarantining must also quarantine if appropriate separation cannot be maintained.
Provided the returned traveller receives confirmation of a negative PCR test, they (and other household members) may leave quarantine at 11.59pm on day three. They do not need to wait to be formally advised of the end of their quarantine by ACT Health.
While travellers may leave quarantine after day three, due to the uncertain public health impact associated with the Omicron variant, ACT Health strongly encouraged people to limit movement in the community until they receive a negative test result from the mandatory day six PCR test.
This means travellers should:
- Stay at home wherever possible and minimise their movement in public spaces to essential reasons only.
- Keep good records of where you have been, including dates and times and use Check in CBR wherever it is required.
- Avoid use of public transport, and if essential ensure a mask is worn.
- Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene and wear a face mask whenever in a public space.
COVID-19 testing is a critical tool to assist in the early identification and management of positive cases. If at any time you experience COVID-19 symptoms, please get tested immediately and quarantine until you receive your negative results
It is also strongly recommended that travellers obtain a COVID-19 test on the 12th or 13th day after their arrival into Australia.
Travellers are also not permitted to enter high risk settings for 14 days after arrival into Australia - further information is available on the COVID-19 website.
ACT Health anticipates these settings will be in place until December 15.
There are currently no confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of concern in the ACT.
International travellers who are not fully vaccinated must continue to:
- Complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at port of entry.
- If travel to the ACT is required for exceptional or compassionate reasons, an exemption will be required to be obtained from ACT Health.
- Travellers may be required to seek approval from their port of entry to enter the ACT.
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