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'Heading in that direction': The state that could soon ban unvaccinated travellers

Western Australia has not hesitated in slamming its borders shut in response to eastern states' Covid outbreaks, but now an administrative error in a vaccination update could be a prediction of stricter measures to come.

In a frequently asked questions document published by WA Health on new vaccine mandates in WA, it stated that from: "Monday 15 November all travellers from very low risk jurisdictions will be required to be fully vaccinated.”

This means the Covid-19 vaccination will soon be compulsory for travellers entering Western Australia.

Mark McGowan warned  WA is ‘heading in the direction’ of making Covid-19 vaccination compulsory. Source: AAP
Mark McGowan warned WA is ‘heading in the direction’ of making Covid-19 vaccination compulsory. Source: AAP

WA could make vaccination for travellers compulsory

Currently, travellers entering the state from areas considered high risk, such as New South Wales and Victoria, need to show proof of at least one vaccination to enter WA.

Although Premier Mark McGowan insists it was an administrative error, he warns it is the direction the state is heading.

"That's not correct at this point in time, but that's the way all the states are moving," Mr McGowan told ABC Radio.

“Currently, anyone coming in from NSW or Victoria, that is the requirement.

“If you want to go overseas, get vaccinated. If you want to travel, get vaccinated. That’s basically the way the entire country is going.

"There have been some administrative mistakes there, but it's certainly the broad direction we're heading."

WA Health later updated the document and uploaded a revised FAQ page without the new border rules.

The WA Health website said Covid-19 vaccinations would be compulsory for travellers entering WA. Source: WA Health/ Twitter
The WA Health website said Covid-19 vaccinations would be compulsory for travellers entering WA. Source: WA Health/ Twitter

WA introduces mandatory Covid vaccinations

Mr McGowan announced on Wednesday that Covid-19 vaccinations will become compulsory for most WA workers by the end of the year.

There are three groups that will be required to get a jab, which in total will represent 75 per cent of the state's workforce.

The first group — who must receive their first jab by December 1 and be fully vaccinated by December 31 — includes port, transport and freight workers, health and aged care staff, police and fly-in, fly-out mining workers, community workers, fire and emergency services employees, abattoir and meat processing workers and prison staff.

The second group —who must get their first dose by the end of year and second dose by January 31— includes staff working at supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and cafes, childcare centres, public transport and construction workers.

All teachers and school staff must be fully vaccinated by the start of term one.

The third group include government employees, members of parliament and other retail workers.

74.7 per cent of WA's population have received their first Covid jab, with 57.6 per cent fully vaccinated.

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