WA Health has issued updated advice for travellers who have recently returned from New Zealand, following reports from NSW Health and New Zealand that an infectious person travelled to New Zealand between 18-21 June from Sydney.
WA’s Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said anyone who has recently arrived into WA from New Zealand and has been to one of the listed exposure sites during the relevant times is required to self-quarantine for 14 days, be tested immediately (within 48 hours) and have a day-11 test.
Anyone in WA who visited the Wellington area after 18 June 2021 (even if not to a listed venue) should get tested if even mild symptoms develop, and self-isolate immediately until a negative test result is received.
Further, recently returned travellers from New Zealand should continue to monitor the New Zealand Ministry for Health site in case additional locations are added.
WA Health continues to urge anyone with symptoms, such as a fever, headache, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to get tested for COVID-19 and to isolate until they receive a negative result.
A list of testing clinics is available on the HealthyWA website.
New Zealand is in the process of contact tracing and will notify WA Health if any close or casual contacts are found to be in Western Australia.
“This will allow for the appropriate public health follow-up to be taken,” Dr Robertson said.
“The risk to WA is very low but it again highlights the importance of remaining vigilant to prevent any spread of the virus or community transmission in this State.
“The situation in New Zealand will be monitored closely and updated health advice will be issued if required.
“It’s also another timely reminder of why getting vaccinated is so important and I would again urge people to make their booking as soon as they are able to.”
For the latest WA information on COVID-19, including COVID clinic locations, visit WA Health’s HealthyWA website or telephone 13COVID (13 268 43).
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