Mark McGowan closes Queensland border out of fear of Omicron Covid

Western Australia will tighten its border controls with queensland because of COVID-19 The outbreak in the Sunshine State, WA just days before setting a date for reopening its borders.

Premier Mark McGowan says Queensland will be moved from a ‘very low risk’ to a ‘low risk’ jurisdiction from 12.01pm on Monday.

This means Queensland travelers must be fully vaccinated, test negative and complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in WA.

This means Queensland travelers must be fully vaccinated, test negative and be WA. Must complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in

Anyone already in WA who has been to a Queensland exposure site will need to be quarantined for 14 days and tested.

Mr McGowan says tightening is needed as Queensland has reported seven local cases in the past two days and is easing its border restrictions on Monday.

“With Queensland now experiencing community spread and the expected move to relax border control and quarantine requirements with COVID-positive jurisdictions, we need to exercise caution and strengthen our border controls with Queensland,” he said. . statement on Saturday.

‘This will inconvenience people, although we know border controls work to keep WA safe and they are effective in managing the risks of COVID-19 entering the community – while we have yet to have vaccinations There are not enough levels of coverage.’

Mr McGowan says tightening is needed as Queensland has reported seven local cases in the past two days and is easing its border restrictions on Monday. Pictured: Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk

The move to close the border is just days away from Mr McGowan setting a date for the reopening of WA’s home borders.

He has promised to reopen once 90 per cent of eligible West Australians are fully vaccinated and said they will set a date once WA hits 80 per cent.

About 88.42 percent of residents have received a single dose of a vaccine and 79.62 percent are fully vaccinated.

Mr McGowan said he expects to set a date for the border opening in the coming days, possibly this week.

The move to close the border is just days away from setting a date for the reopening of WA’s home borders from Mr McGowan

“As I said, we expect to reach our 80 percent double dose vaccination rate in the coming days, which means we can review the situation and move forward with our safe transition plan next year,” he said. Can confidently lock in at a future date to grow.”

‘It’s a timely reminder to get vaccinated. It will protect you, your family and your community.

WA reported no new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday after 489 tests in state clinics, while there are two active cases in hotel quarantine.