24 JUNE 2020COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAs at 24 June, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). The most recent WA restriction adjustmentsMany of you would have seen that the WA Premier has announced a further adjustment of public gathering restrictions for WA: Phase 4 in WA will start on Saturday, June 27 (11.59pm Friday, June 26) and will result in all existing gathering limits being removed and only being determined by the 2sqm per person rule, removal of seated service requirements at food businesses and licensed premises, no requirement for customer registers to be maintained and unseated live performances. As always, the COVID-19 sub-committee will carefully consider these adjustments in the local IOT context for further adjustments in the future, in line with evidence-based medical advice. What does the rapid increase of COVID-19 community transmission in Victoria mean for Western Australia and the IOT? A tentative date for the removal of WA's hard border was put on hold due to the rapidly evolving situation in Victoria. We are also closely monitoring the increased community transmission in Victoria – it is a timely reminder to all of us of the importance of our carefully staged and managed approach, based on medical advice and evidence. It also shows how important it is that we all continue to maintain physical distancing and hygiene – and stay home if even slightly unwell. Again, we recommend download of the COVIDSafe app to support contact tracing if you are in WA. Travel to WA remains a matter for residents to seek approval from WA Government authorities. Our community has done everything right to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the IOT, why are we extending the State of Emergency?A media release was issued yesterday, 23 June 2020 that confirms that the State of Emergency will remain in effect until 17 September 2020. The State of Emergency is an important mechanism that allows us to continue to manage an ongoing emergency situation – in this case, a global pandemic. As seen in Victoria this week, we cannot be complacent, the threat remains present and can spread quickly if we do not manage this in a careful way to protect our isolated community. In particular, the State of Emergency allows us to direct a sick person in to quarantine to limit the spread to anyone else in the community, or for a person to self-isolate while they undergo testing for COVID-19. Without the State of Emergency in place, it puts our community at further risk and reduces our ability to keep everyone safe. Having the State of Emergency in place does not prevent the lifting of travel restrictions. Reminder on lifting of quarantine restrictions for people coming from WAA reminder that from 30 June 2020, IOT residents returning from Western Australia (WA) will not be required to quarantine on their arrival back to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). In addition, anyone – including essential workers – who has been in WA for the past 14 days, does not have COVID 19 and has not been in contact with a confirmed case, will also be permitted to travel to the IOT without quarantine on arrival. Permission to travel to the IOT is still required through the office of the Administrator. A link to the new IOT travel application form is below. The process for travel to WA remains unchanged, with IOT residents needing to seek approval from WA Police. Now that the quarantine period is being lifted, it’s important to stay alert and be responsible. While the IOT has remained COVID-19 free to this point, the IOTHS want to ensure we detect and manage any potential cases early, to protect you and the community If you have: cough, sore throat, runny nose, fevers, loss of smell or loss of taste – please ring the health service and they will arrange for you to be seen and screened. Everyone needs to maintain physical distancing and practise strict hand hygiene while working, socialising and at home. New IOT Travel Application formhttps://indianoceanterritories.wufoo.com/forms/iot-traveller-request-form/ I am an IOT resident travelling to Perth for medical purposes. Do I need to quarantine when I get back to the Islands if I was only in Perth for four days?No. From 30 June 2020, IOT residents who have travelled from the IOT to WA only, do not need to quarantine when returning to the IOT. I am an IOT resident travelling to Perth for non-medical related reasons. Do I need to quarantine when I get back to the Islands if I was in Perth for 10 days?No. From 30 June 2020, IOT residents who have travelled from the IOT to WA only, do not need to quarantine when returning to the IOT. Quarantine arrangements for people who arrive in the IOT between now and 30 June 2020:All travellers on flights up to 24:00, 29 June 2020 will still be required to quarantine. Once the quarantine requirements for those who have been in WA lift on 30 June 2020, we will undertake an individual assessment of everyone in quarantine. This will be done by a medical officer and the relevant Territory Controller. It will include consideration of such factors as their home state and community transmission in that jurisdiction, number of days spent in WA prior to travel to IOT, any close contacts with a confirmed COVID-19 case, presentation of any symptoms, whether they are returning from medical treatment and any other relevant issues. If this risk assessment satisfies both the medical officer and Controller, some individual travellers may be able to be released from quarantine, without the need to complete the full 14-day period. Again, this will be a careful consideration of the individual circumstances and is not guaranteed. Tourism and accommodation provider engagementWe are focused on supporting the IOT tourism sector to operate in a COVID-safe way and ready themselves for the return of travellers. The Administrator and Department briefed the IOT tourism sector and operators on 23 June on the current restrictions and the roadmap forward, fielding a range of queries about travel between WA and the IOT, VARA flight credits and financial support for the IOT tourism industry. On 17 June, the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service and Australian Federal Police in collaboration with CKI Tourism Association, ran a workshop for Cocos accommodation providers and tourism operators on COVID-19 preparedness planning. A number of topics were discussed including cleaning, hygiene, identification of COVID-19 symptoms, quarantine, testing and COVID-19 Safety Plans. Issues explored included business continuity in the event of a positive case of COVID-19 and the health response which would require those directed to quarantine to remain in their accommodation – including the impacts this might have for accommodation providers and the broader community. IOTHS and AFP officers also provided business operators with assistance and supporting documents to develop their COVID-19 Safety Plans. It is critical for the success of our roadmap to economic recovery, and the ongoing protection of our IOT communities, that tourism and accommodation operators understand their obligations and responsibilities in relation to COVID safety operations. I urge providers and operators to actively work to meet these requirements. A similar workshop, which will be delivered in partnership between IOTHS, AFP and CITA, is happening on CI on Thursday 25 June. PATS travel to PerthWe want to ensure those IOT residents who need to travel to Perth for medical purposes understand the process under the current COVID-19 restrictions. We acknowledge travel for medical reasons can be stressful, particularly under the current arrangements. Departmental officers have been working closely with Western Australian (WA) officials to facilitate the movement of Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) residents requiring medical treatment in WA. The current process for PATS travel to Perth from IOT has been agreed between the WA Chief Medical Officer and IOTHS Chief Medical Officer. Where possible, a COVID test is done in the IOT prior to travel. The resident applies for an exemption to travel to WA for urgent and essential medical treatment, with a supporting letter from a medical practitioner. If an exemption is then granted on medical grounds, the resident can travel to WA. Once in Perth, a further rapid test for COVID may be undertaken. The resident will be required to self-isolate while in WA and can only leave their accommodation to attend their medical treatment. The resident will return to the IOT as soon as their medical treatment concludes. State of Emergency Extension media releasehttps://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/marino/media-release/safety-paramount-our-iot-communities. I want to have a holiday in the IOT, do I need to quarantine when I get back to WA?The process for travel to WA remains unchanged, with individuals needing to seek approval from WA Police prior to leaving WA. You must be an exempt traveller to enter WA and you may be directed to quarantine on arrival in to WA unless exempted. Each traveller remains responsible for their own travel approvals. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions about travelling to WA https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/wa-border-closure-frequently-asked-questions. We are COVID-19 free, why can’t I travel to WA without quarantining? Is the Government considering a travel bubble between WA and the IOT?The WA Government has strict border controls in place. There are ongoing discussions with WA about the possibility of travellers from the IOT being exempt from quarantine. Application form for travel to the IOTIOT residents and essential staff must apply for travel approval to the IOT using an electronic application form. The form is mobile-friendly and will automatically submit to the right email address (iotadministrator@infrastructure.gov.au). Please allow at least 72 hours prior to travelling for your application to be processed. Returning residents: https://indianoceanterritories.wufoo.com/forms/covid19-iot-returning-resident-information-form/ Essential staff: https://indianoceanterritories.wufoo.com/forms/iot-essential-workers-form/ **NEW** IOT travel application form: https://indianoceanterritories.wufoo.com/forms/iot-traveller-request-form/ How do I get approval to travel to WA?Before you travel, you must seek travel approval from the WA Government. Please fill in a paper form available at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/wa-entry-request-approval-exempt-traveller and then submit it to WAEntryRequest@police.wa.gov.au with supporting documentation. Ensure you leave sufficient time prior to your departure to receive an approval email. Looking after your mental healthIt is important to reach out if you need support during the pandemic. The IOT Health Service has an excellent Managing Stress and Anxiety booklet, which includes a wide range of local and national resources. On island, you can speak to a health professional. For Christmas Island (CI), call 9164 8333, for Cocos (Keeling) Islands call 9162 7609 on Home Island or 9162 6655 on West island. The community social worker on CI can be contacted on 9164 8333 ext 128 or via text on 0447 975 436. People who are concerned about their children can speak with the CIDHS school psychologist. Those with private health cover may also choose to engage with their psychologist of choice via telehealth. The Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (headtohealth.gov.au) connects people to free, low cost phone, and online mental health services and supports from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. It is a good place to start if you, or someone you care about, might need some help coping with anxiety and worry. More information on mental health measures can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-national-health-plan-supporting-the-mental-health-of-australians-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic. Who do I call for help, support or advice about Family Violence?It is important that you know you can reach out for support even during the current State of Emergency. Family violence services across the IOTs are available for support and advice for anyone experiencing family violence or who is worried about how potential self-isolation or changes to your routine due to COVID-19 will impact on your safety and well-being. If you need support, you can contact the health services, our social worker or police on the following numbers: Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Legal Aid WA
If you feel unsafe or are concerned for someone’s safety, please call 000
Emergency Management Committee The Territory Controllers in conjunction with the Administrator convene a fortnightly Emergency Management Committee (EMC) meeting to provide updates on decisions and actions taken to maintain a COVID-19-free IOT. Each member of the EMC provides an update on current and future actions their organisations is undertaking to manage COVID-19 measures.
Kylie Lawson David Williams |