Premier sets ambitious target that will see WA’s border open
Western Australia has revealed its long-awaited roadmap to its Covid normal, including an ambitious 90 per cent double dose vaccine coverage to open its much-maligned tight border.
Premier Mark McGowan said the state predicts to hit the target by late January and delivered a message to those who were refusing to get the jab.
"The time for protests, carrying on, reading crazy conspiracy theories, is over. Go and get vaccinated, save your life, your family's life, and do the right thing by the community," he said.
The premier described the roadmap as "unique".
"It's intended for border controls to ease at a point where there is no community transmission in Western Australia, combined with very, very high levels of vaccination," Mr McGowan said.
It likely comes as bad news for some interstate travellers looking to head to WA for Christmas and New Year.
The premier was asked about criticism of the plan on social media.
"My advice to you is that many people say many things and I have seen all sorts of things written about poor little Cleo’s (Smith) parents the other day and I ignore a lot of that comment," Mr McGowan said.
"We are doing the right thing by the people of the state."
According to modelling, WA reopening at 90 per cent will save 200 lives compared to at 80 per cent.
Current state and territory border status with WA
Queensland - very low risk (G2G pass required, no quarantine needed).
Northern Territory - very low risk
South Australia - very low risk
Tasmania - very low risk
ACT - medium risk (G2G pass required, self-quarantine needed, negative Covid test 48 hours before departure, second Covid test needed 48 hours after arrival and 12 days after arrival).
Victoria - extreme risk (G2G pass also required; negative test needed 72 hours before flight; tests needed on days one, five and 13; hotel quarantine also required).
NSW - extreme risk
Victoria and NSW are still labelled as "extreme risk" zones meaning anyone from either of these states entering WA will have to undergo 14 days of hotel quarantine.
According to Operation Covid Shield data, WA has 65.4 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated while 79.9 per cent have had one jab.
The premier expects 80 per cent of WA's eligible population to be fully vaxxed by sometime in December.
Mr McGowan added once the 80 per cent goal is reached he will set "a specific date for transition".
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