Coronavirus: Mark McGowan won’t guarantee quarantine scrapped for Victorians if 28-day milestone reached

Premier Mark McGowan is refusing to guarantee tough quarantine border controls with Victoria and NSW will be scrapped in time for Christmas, saying a 28-day free coronavirus period “won’t be the only factor’ in making his decision. Mr McGowan today thumbed his nose at Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s wishes that “Australia open by Christmas”, saying he won’t be rushed into quashing a compulsory 14-day quarantine period for interstate arrivals into WA from Victoria and NSW. Victoria is one week from the milestone. “We won’t rush and the decision won’t be based on the 28-day rule alone. Especially given safe travel is currently permitted to WA from these States with conditions, including 14 days of quarantine,” Mr McGowan told The West. “WA has done so well, if it takes extra time to make the decision — so we are extra confident — then that is what we will do. “I’ll always be guided by the health advice, our borders have been our best defence.” The McGowan Government has consistently said WA would reassess its border controls with Victoria and NSW when they reached 28 days of no community transmission of the virus. Victoria has now had 22 days of no community transmission of the virus, and NSW 15 days. This means that potentially, Victoria could reach the 28-day milestone on Friday. There are currently no restrictions on interstate travel between WA and Queensland, or the Northern Territory, ACT or Tasmania. The Department of Health today reported one new case of COVID-19 in WA, bringing the State’s total to 797. “It’s so pleasing to see Victoria and NSW continue on their positive run.” Mr McGowan. “Each day they take a positive step forward for the whole nation. “The closer we get to eradicating the virus locally, the stronger our country will be. “We’re closely watching their COVID situation, each and every day.” Mr McGowan’s popularity has soared on the back of his hard border policy. “Under our controlled border, when they reach 28 consecutive days of no community cases, we can assess them moving into the very low risk category,” he said. “The Chief Health Officer will provide his advice and 28 days won’t be the only factor. “The recent outbreak in South Australia and the continued number of international cases in quarantine will also need to be considered as part of the decision.” The hard border between WA and South Australia — which requires exemptions and compulsory quarantining — was brought down last Saturday, but lasted just 24 hours after a new coronavirus outbreak in that State. Mr McGowan today also gave no hint as to when the hard border with South Australia would come down. “We are very careful, we are very cautious,” Mr McGowan said. “We still know there was an outbreak in South Australia and we still want to protect West Australians. “The hard border, the quarantine arrangements, will stay in place for South Australia,” he said.