Western Australia will ease its controlled border when the state is 90 per cent fully vaccinated (for the population aged 12 and over), Premier Mark McGowan announced in a press conference this morning.

The Safe Transition Plan projects that target will be reached in late January or early February. A specific date will be announced – and locked in – when the state hits 80 per cent fully vaxxed, which is expected in December.

“Western Australia has done such a great job. We don’t want to fall over at the final hurdle,” McGowan said.

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“The decision to target a 90 per cent vaccination rate is based on extensive modelling which shows us [that] the rates of community infections, hospitalisations and deaths are far lower if we make this change at 90 per cent, when compared with an 80 per cent target.”

When the 90 per cent double-dose target is reached, there will be minimal restrictions in place:
- Face masks will be required only in high-risk indoor settings such as public transport, hospitals and aged-care facilities
- Proof of vaccination will be required to attend nightclubs, the casino, and large events with crowds of more than 1000 people such as football games and concerts
- Entry to remote Aboriginal communities will be restricted when necessary.

“They won’t be forever, but they’ll put us in the best position in case of an outbreak,” McGowan said.

At that time, interstate arrivals will be required to be fully vaccinated, return a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure, and undertake a test upon entering WA. International arrivals will resume with some conditions: those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to complete 14 days’ quarantine in a designated facility, complete a G2G Pass, return a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure and undertake a test on arrival.

“I understand there will be disappointment for some,” McGowan continued. “I know some people will be frustrated that they may not be able to be reunited with family over Christmas. But, as difficult as it is, it is for the right reasons. This will ensure there is minimal impact on WA’s unique way of life and mean we can make longer-term plans, with certainty.”

Western Australia is currently at 79.3 per cent first dose (for those aged 12 and over) and 63.7 per cent two doses (for 12 and over).