18 November 2020COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAs at 18 November, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). CHANGE TO ISOLATION REQUIREMENTS WHILE AWAITING COVID TEST RESULTSAs you are aware, our COVID response measures are continually being reviewed to ensure they are aligned with national protocols and WA measures as appropriate, informed by expert medical advice. Those in the IOT who are awaiting COVID test results must continue to isolate at home, staying in their own room/household space and wearing a mask when in shared areas of a home. However, as of today and in line with the WA requirements and our current level of risk, other members of their household (including children) will now not have to self-isolate while the tested individual awaits their result. It is critical that those self-isolating following testing keep separate from the rest of the household wherever possible, including while eating, and all household members strictly follow hygiene and cleaning requirements and physical distancing. The exception is if children or other dependants are isolating at home while awaiting test results – in these circumstances, their primary carer must also isolate with them. If a COVID test returns as positive, the entire household must quarantine and follow all directions. This adjustment to isolation requirements has been made based on medical advice. If the risk increases or circumstances change, it will be immediately reviewed. It is also critical that residents and visitors continue to remain vigilant and get tested if unwell. The current South Australian situation and alignment of CI and CKI with WA controlled border arrangements for interstate travelAs communicated on 4 November, the Emergency Management Committees of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands endorsed the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) aligning with the WA controlled border adjustments which came into effect on 15 November. This included:
Given the rapidly evolving situation involving community transmission in South Australia, the IOT is mirroring the WA hard border now reinstated with SA. South Australia has moved from the ‘very low risk’ category to a ‘medium risk’ category. This is the highest rating of any other state or territory. No one will be allowed into WA if they have been in South Australia in the previous 14 days, unless they meet new exemption requirements, quarantine and undertake COVID-19 testing. This is to ensure the safety of our community and preserve our very important WA/IOT travel zone. People must still apply for travel, to both WA and to the IOT. Our stringent processes remain in place, for the ongoing protection of the IOT, its communities and economies. In some circumstances and jurisdictions, there may be additional information required to support travel applications. With the border adjustments, everyone needs to continue to play their part in keeping the IOT COVID-free, by following public gathering and hygiene rules – now is not the time for any complacency. We continue to liaise with the WA Government to support the WA/IOT Travel Zone and the controlled borders processes. For further information on the WA controlled border settings, including the latest on the situation with SA, go to: Entry in to WAAll entry into WA requires a WA Entry – Request for Approval as an Exempt Traveller application. People must apply using the “Good to Go Pass” app which is completed electronically. It can be found at https://www.g2gpass.com.au. For anyone that is experiencing difficulties with obtaining approval from WA Police, please email iotadministrator@infrastructure.gov.au for assistance. 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/. Territory Controller updatesAs the COVID-19 response continues and we align with the WA timetable for review of measures, the Territory Controllers updates will be issued fortnightly on our local response, preparedness and measures. As always, we will issue communications on urgent or time critical matters as needed. Individual queries can be directed to iotadministrator@infrastructure.gov.au Be COVIDSafe, keep COVID-freeThere are still no cases of COVID-19 in the IOT. However, with the ongoing community transmission on Australia’s east coast, it is a timely reminder to be COVIDSafe. COVIDSafe means maintaining at least 1.5 metres between you and others at all times, regularly washing your hands with soap, staying at home if you’re sick and getting tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms. If you have previously been tested for COVID but start to feel sick again, get re-tested. Stay at home while you wait for your results. Wash your hands to stop the spread - clean hands keep you healthy and help stop the spread of germs. Regularly wash your hands for 20–30 seconds with soap. Remember to wash in between your fingers, the back of your hands and your thumbs. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, when you’re preparing food, before or after eating, and after you have been out. Hand sanitiser is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available. 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 Kylie Lawson David Williams |