Australia: Officials in Victoria designating Greater Sydney and Greater Darwin as COVID-19 red zones as of June 28 /update 43

Event

Officials in Victoria are designating Greater Sydney, New South Wales, and Greater Darwin, Northern Territory, as red zones (high-risk areas) as of June 28 due to COVID-19 activity. Greater Sydney includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour, and Wollongong areas; Greater Darwin includes the Local Government Areas of the City of Darwin, City of Palmerston, and Litchfield. Victoria residents who have recently visited red zones must obtain a red zone permit to enter; arrivals must receive a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Nonresidents may only enter from either Sydney or Darwin if they have an exemption, such as having a transit or freight worker permit. Officials have designated Greater Brisbane, Queensland, and the Perth Metropolitan and Peel regions in Western Australia as orange zones (medium-risk areas). Arrivals entering from an orange zone must self-quarantine, undergo COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of entry, and remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result. All other areas are designated as green zones (low-risk areas). Authorities may alter risk levels within Australia at short notice, depending on disease activity.

Local Restrictions
Authorities continue to impose COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria. Residents may have up to 15 people visit their homes per day; public gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed. Officials require people to wear facemasks indoors and recommend people wear facemasks outdoors when maintaining 1.5 meters (5 feet) of physical distancing is impossible.

Officials still encourage companies to allow employees to work from home, if possible. However, authorities allow capacity at offices to 75 percent capacity or 30 people, whichever is greater. Authorities allow one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet) in nonessential businesses, including retail, as well as at crowd events; officials require such venues to employ a COVID-19 marshal. A density limit of one person per four square meters (43 square feet) is allowed in smaller venues, while one person per two square meters is allowed in larger areas.

Authorities have expanded contact tracing requirements to all businesses. Companies must use the government's quick response (QR) code system in the Service Victoria mobile application, and patrons must use the app to check-in when visiting such establishments. Businesses must provide an alternative check-in method for customers without smartphones. Companies that violate the order face fines of up to AUD 1,652.

Quarantine Requirements
Inbound international commercial flights have resumed. Most international travelers entering Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Victoria requires inbound travelers to complete a Victorian Quarantine Arrival From before departure. The state charges travelers for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 for the first adult and AUD 1,000 for each additional adult or AUD 500 for children above three years old.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel.

Resources

Victoria Government
Victoria Lockdown Restrictions
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Border Crossing Permit