As the coronavirus continues to spread, doctors and healthcare systems across Australia are still facing a multitude of challenges. In response to the pandemic, the Australian Government has constantly been testing people suspected of having the virus, monitoring confirmed cases on a daily basis, and imposing travel restrictions across states.

While multiples initiatives were taken to improve the situation, the State and Health authorities in Australia is gradually easing travel restrictions allowing domestic travel and wider range of practice locations for doctors to choose from.

However, these restrictions are changing constantly and therefore seek the latest updates from government websites or speak to your Medfuture consultant for personalized guidance. If you are looking for international travel details, please see the latest updates of Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the pandemic.

Travelling Between States and Territories

Before travelling between states and territories for your placement, you need to be aware of the latest travel updates.

The following should be taken with you when you travel interstate for your next job:

1.        Your Current ID

2.        Evidence of your AHPRA Registration

3.        A copy of the Hospital Locum Contract

4.        A printed copy of your Job Confirmation Letter with the Medical Centre/Hospital contact details

5.        Any PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) you may need

6.        A printed copy of State Specific Border pass or self-quarantine exemption

However, State and Territory health boards, individual hospitals, and medical practices are continually revising their policies. We suggest that you check relevant government websites or reach out to one of our consultants prior to your commute.

Border Restrictions by State and Territory

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

If you have been in any public exposure sites in Victoria that were declared as COVID-affected areas, you are not permitted to enter the ACT unless you have an exemption. ACT residents who have been in COVID affected areas, should enter an online declaration to ACT Health, letting them know of your excuse to travel to the ACT.

If you have not been in COVID-affected areas during the dates and times listed, you can visit the ACT.

For more travel advise, visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/travel.

New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW government has declared all of VIC as COVID-affected. If you are not a resident of NSW and you have been in a place of high concern you must not enter NSW. If you are a resident returning to NSW and have been in a place highly affected by the virus you must:

-            Complete a traveler self-declaration form before entering or on entry into NSW

-            Follow interstate traveler guidelines

-            Self-isolate for 14 days

For more information, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

Northern Territory (NT)

Anyone arriving from or through a declared hotspot area in other states must undertake 14 days supervised quarantine at your own cost. This includes places that were declared hotspots after you visited them.

The Northern Territory has declared all of Greater Melbourne, including Melbourne Airport, a COVID-19 hotspot.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Territory, you must complete the border entry form.

For more information, call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 008 002.

Queensland (QLD)

Entry to Queensland is temporarily restricted by the Chief Health Officer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 1am AEST Saturday 13 February 2021 anyone entering Queensland who has been anywhere in Victoria on or since Friday 29 January 2021 will need to apply for a border pass. An individual who requires a Queensland Border Declaration Pass must have one regardless of whether they are a child and travelling with their parents.

Specific parts of Victoria are now declared COVID-19 hotspots. Anyone who has been in Greater Melbourne in the last 14 days or since 7 February 2021 (whichever is shorter) must quarantine in government arranged accommodation at their own expense.

For more information on border restrictions visit https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/border-restrictions

South Australia (SA)

The Government of South Australia requires all travellers coming to South Australia to complete the Cross Border Travel registration at least a week prior to travelling. Travelling from Greater Melbourne to SA is prohibited. However, people from Victoria who have not been in Greater Melbourne after the 4^th of February 2021 can travel to SA.

Travelers arriving from Peel, Perth and South West of Western Australia (restricted zones), must self-quarantine at a suitable place, submit to COVID-19 testing and be released from self-quarantine upon written advice of a negative COVD-19 test result.

For further updates contact SA COVID-19 Information Line 1800 253 787 or visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.

Tasmania

Travelers arriving to Tasmania, including returning residents, need to provide their contact and travel details before entering the state, to help manage the risk of COVID-19 at Tasmania’s borders. Those who have spent time in a high-risk area or premises in the 14 days before arriving in Tasmania are not permitted to enter Tasmania, unless approved as an Essential Traveler.

Low-risk areas include: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales (excluding the high-risk locations), Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand.

For further details please see https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/infectious_diseases/coronavirus/covid-19_case_and_outbreak_management

Victoria

Victoria Travel Permit System requires travelers to have a permit to enter Victoria from any part of Australia. You can apply for a permit via https://www.service.vic.gov.au/services/border-permit/home.

Western Australia (WA)

Travelers entering Western Australia should complete virtual quarantine checks via G2G Now. You must not enter WA until WA Police approve your travel via the G2G PASS app or by email.

Travelers to WA don't have to quarantine if they've only been in a 'very low-risk' state or territory in the last 14 days.

Low risk areas include Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding travelling between states for your new placement, get in touch with one of our consultants via helpdesk@medfuture.com.au.