7 April 2021

COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) Islands

As at 7 April 2021, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT).

IOT COVID-19 subcommittee update - 7 April 2021

The IOT COVID-19 subcommittee has now considered yesterday’s (6 April 2021) announcement by the WA Government that Queensland will be reclassified as ‘low risk’ (down from ‘medium’ following recent community transmission) under WA’s controlled border arrangements.

Travellers from states and territories considered 'low risk' jurisdictions are permitted to enter WA without an exemption but subject to strict conditions including COVID-19 testing and 14 days of self-quarantine.

To protect our IOT communities and in light of limited accommodation availability to support quarantining travellers, the subcommittee has determined that – from today – while Queensland remains classified as ‘low risk’, travellers from Queensland will not be permitted to enter the IOT until they have spent 14 days in WA (or another very low risk jurisdiction) and as part of this receive a negative COVID test result – to be used to support their IOT travel application.

The rigorous travel application and approval process for entry to the IOT ensures the community’s safety and manages risks.

As always, we will continue to take a prudent and precautionary approach to restriction adjustment, to maintain the protection of our vulnerable IOT communities.

We will continue to closely monitor the Qld situation and any WA adjustments. We will update the community further as any decisions are made.

For further detail on the WA Government announcement, see:
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/queensland-transition-low-risk-state

Masks on domestic flights

On Friday, 8th January 2021, National Cabinet agreed to additional aviation measures to strengthen protection of Australians from COVID-19.

As of 8th January, all passengers (excluding children 12 and under or those with particular exemptions) and air crew must wear masks on flights and in airports.

Virgin Australia has implemented these requirements across all its flights, including the IOT service. Passengers will be required to wear masks unless eating or drinking, or unless a medical exemption applies.

Passengers are expected to have their own mask, however any passengers who do not have a mask will be supplied one by the airport team.

See links for further information, including the specific directions for CI and CKI:

COVID-19 IOT travel information website

This website provides up-to-date travel information for those planning on travelling to Christmas or Cocos (Keeling) Islands, tourism operators and other IOT based stakeholders

https://indianoceanterritories.com.au/covid-19-iot-travel-information/

The Office of the Administrator is responsible for ensuring the information is current.

Up-to-date information on travel to WA with controlled interstate borders can be found here:

https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-controlled-interstate-border

Be COVIDSafe, keep COVID-free

There 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.

This means staying at home if you are sick and getting medical advice on being tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are only mild. If you are ill with respiratory symptoms, seek advice from the health service (via phone in the first instance if it is not a medical emergency).

Anyone who is ill should stay home until they are free of symptoms, regardless of whether they have returned a negative COVID test – we do not want respiratory illnesses of any kind circulating in our communities and ask people to do the right thing if they are unwell.

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.

COVIDSafe also means maintaining at least 1.5 metres between you and others at all times and regularly washing your hands - 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 and after eating, and after you have been out. Hand sanitiser is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available.

IOT travel application forms

All travellers – regardless of whether they are IOT residents or visitors – must complete a travel form. Christmas Islanders travelling to Cocos must complete the form for travel entry into Cocos. The same applies for Cocos residents travelling to Christmas Island.

Anyone travelling to both islands will be required to complete forms for both CKI and CI.

These forms support the Territory Controllers and health service in our COVID-19 response and contact tracing, in the event of a positive COVID case in the IOT.

Entry in to WA

All entry into WA requires approval from WA Police. All travellers to WA 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.

Looking after your mental health

It 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

Christmas island Health Services 9164-8333
Christmas Island Community Policing Team 9164-8444
Social Worker Narelle Phone 9164 8333 ext 128 or 0447 975 436

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Home Island Clinic 9162-7609
West Island Clinic 9162-6655
Cocos Community Policing Team 9162-6600

Legal Aid WA

9261 6356 or
CI Office 9164 7529

If you feel unsafe or are concerned for someone’s safety, please call 000

Kylie Lawson
Territory Controller
Christmas Island

David Williams
Territory Controller
Cocos (Keeling) Islands