21 October 2020COVID-19 Measures on Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) IslandsAs at 21 October, there are NO cases of COVID-19 in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). WA COVID roadmap and restrictions updateThe WA Government has brought forward its scheduled review of the Phase 4 restrictions and the WA Premier announced on 19 October that WA will extend Phase 4 of the COVID-19 roadmap but will now allow exemptions to the 2-square metre rule at selected seated venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas and performance centres. The WA border remains closed and no tentative dates have been provided at this stage for Phases 5 or 6 in WA, with the situation to be reviewed regularly, based on health advice. Further information on the modified Phase 4 arrangements for WA are available here: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/new-exemptions-introduced-phase-4 The COVID-19 subcommittee has reviewed the local restrictions in light of this and has determined that settings will remain unchanged for now. We continue to liaise with the WA Government to support the WA/IOT Travel Zone. We will keep the IOT restrictions and settings under continual review and in alignment with WA, as previously communication. IOT travel applications – apply earlyA reminder that everyone travelling to the IOT needs to apply for entry through the Office of the Administrator. We are still experiencing strong passenger demand and numbers for CI and CKI and all travellers are reminded of the importance of applying for travel at least 72 hours prior to your proposed travel date, given volumes of applications and assessment processes. Thank you for your cooperation in this. Stay COVID-safe when out and aboutWe thank IOT businesses and the communities for their continued support in keeping each other protected from COVID-19 and following the restrictions and settings which are in place to keep us COVID-safe. Remember, when attending venues, it is critical that you record your details in the COVID registers, so you can be contacted if needed. Now is not the time for complacency. People also need to keep up with hygiene practices, stay home if unwell and get tested if they have symptoms. Inter-island travelThe COVID-19 subcommittee is currently reviewing the processes to best support inter-island travel in the IOT, to ensure we have the necessary details on people’s travel and accommodation arrangements. We will provide a further update on this shortly. WA border control updateThe WA Premier announced some changes to WA border controls outlined below (source https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa). We will continue to monitor WA’s announcements to ensure our compliance in light of the WA/IOT Travel Zone. Excerpt from https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa: COVID-19 coronavirus: Travel to WA Exemptions for entering WA from interstate or overseas. Strict border controls are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. You cannot enter WA unless you are an exempt traveller. The Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions, as amended, set out exempt traveller categories. Entry into Western Australia may be subject to terms and conditions, including a requirement to quarantine for 14 days. You may apply for an exemption via G2G PASS. The categories of "exempt traveller" are set out in detail in the Directions. It is important that any person who is seeking to enter Western Australia reads and understands the categories of exempt traveller that are set out in the Directions. In summary, the categories include:
What if I have been in Victoria or NSW in the last 14 days?Travellers who have been in Victoria or New South Wales in the previous 14 days will not be allowed into WA, unless they fall into one of the following categories:
If you have been in Victoria or New South Wales in the previous 14 days and do not fall into the above categories, you will not be permitted to enter WA unless you have written approval from the State Emergency Coordinator (or a person authorised by the State Emergency Coordinator) and comply with any terms and conditions imposed on entry to WA. This may include quarantine requirements. For more information please see our frequently asked questions for people arriving from Victoria and NSW. 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 IOT WA travel zoneUnder the 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. 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/. 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/. 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 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 |