29 JULY 2020COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAs at 29 July, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). WA travel zoneUnder the new travel zone arrangements with Western Australia, you are exempt from quarantine requirements if you have not been outside WA or the IOT in the 14 days prior to your entry date. You will still need to apply for entry to WA. We have now confirmed the requirements and process with the WA Government. All entry into WA requires a WA Entry – Request for Approval as an Exempt Traveller application. People are encouraged to apply using the “Good to Go Pass” app which can be completed electronically. It can be found at https://www.g2gpass.com.au/ IOT to WA – how to complete the WA application:
Information on the WA-IOT travel zone exemption is available here: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/exempt-traveller-approval-indian-ocean-territories All IOT entry and travel requirements remain unchanged – people must apply for approval to travel to the IOT using the electronic application form https://indianoceanterritories.wufoo.com/forms/iot-traveller-request-form/. We are updating our forms and processes to reflect the travel zone with WA. Assessments for all applicants travelling from WA who meet the 14-day requirement, will be processed as quickly as possible, however we recommend submitting your application 14 days prior to your intended travel date. Travel restrictions outside the WA travel zone are still in place. Applications are assessed on their individual circumstances and the situation in the jurisdiction they are travelling from, e.g. community transfer and number of active cases of COVID-19. We are carefully monitoring the situation in all states and territories to ensure the protection of the IOT community. Remember, if travelling from another jurisdiction and transiting through WA, you must apply to WA, separately to your IOT travel application. Sailing vesselsThe travel zone exemptions only relate to air arrivals. Anyone arriving by sailing vessel in the IOT will still need to quarantine, regardless of where they come from (including WA). 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 CommitteeThe 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 |