2 JULY 2020COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAs at 2 July, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). Students travelling to WA to attend schoolAs you would be aware, the requirement for quarantine for those entering WA continues to be in place. The decision to apply the 14-day quarantine period resides with the WA Police approving officer, with these decisions made on a case-by-case basis. Students wishing to travel to WA will need to submit an application via the “Good to Go” app found at https://www.g2gpass.com.au/ or alternatively fill in the exemption form found at https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/border-closures-160420.pdf. If completing the hard copy exemption form, it is to be submitted to WAEntryRequest@police.wa.gov.au As soon as the application has been submitted (either via G2G app or email to WA Police) please advise via email to IOTAdministrator@infrastructure.gov.au and your application will be further progressed (noting that only the name of the student, email address and date/time of entry application is required). Please note that an approval from WA Police may take up to 72 hours and contain the conditions of entry. How do I get approval to travel to WA?Before you travel, you must seek travel approval from the WA Government. WA Police are now encouraging all individuals to apply using the “Good to Go” app which can be completed electronically. It can be found at https://www.g2gpass.com.au/ You can also fill in a paper form available at https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/border-closures-160420.pdf 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. WA – IOT travel quarantine updateThe WA Police Commissioner has confirmed that WA is progressing considerations of a quarantine exemption for the IOT and has indicated that a decision may be made next week. I’m worried that people travelling to the IOT may transfer COVID-19 to other passengers on the flight. Why isn't physical distancing being mandated on board aircraft across Australia? To date, there have been few published reports of COVID-19 transmission in flight, particularly where appropriate control measures have been implemented. The risk appears to be mitigated by forward facing seats, the height of the seats, the ventilation and filtration systems and other controls applied prior to flight and inflight, including hygiene and environmental measures. Where possible, physical distancing will be facilitated by airlines, with family groups seated together and spacing between groups and individuals. Success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 through domestic air travel relies on all parties, including passengers, playing their part in minimising risk by adhering to the measures. All applications to travel to the IOT are carefully screened for risk factors prior to issuing any travel approvals (e.g. prior place of departure and community transmission rates). For further information and the full FAQs about aviation protocols, please follow this link: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/domestic-passenger-journey-protocol.aspx What do I need to do to get a Flu Vaccine?There has been great uptake by the IOT community for the 2020 flu vaccination with 79% of over 65’s on Christmas Island and 89% of over 65’s on Cocos (Keeling) Islands having received their vaccination this year. Flu vaccination for this season is still available and community members can see their GP for a prescription. Please call the health service to make an appointment. Cleaning ProceduresSome useful cleaning references: Safe Work Australia Cleaning Checklist New Zealand Ministry of Health https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/covid-19_-_guidance_on_cleaning.pdf Reminder on lifting of quarantine restrictions for people coming from WAA reminder that from 30 June 2020, IOT residents returning from 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 Application form for travel to the IOTAll travellers 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. **NEW** IOT travel application form: https://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. 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 WA officials to facilitate the movement of IOT residents requiring medical treatment in WA. The current process for PATS travel to Perth from the 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. 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. 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 |