WA Premier Mark McGowan delays border opening indefinitely

WA Premier Mark McGowan has delayed the state’s reopening over fears lagging booster vaccination rates will cause Omicron to run rampant in the community.
His announcement during a late night press conference on Thursday comes just three weeks out from the expected reopening date of February 5.
“A third dose of the vaccine is so vital … the science proves third doses make a stark difference against Omicron,” Mr McGowan said.
Allowing people with COVID-19 into WA would cause a surge in cases and hospitalisations and result in thousands unable to work or go to school.
“It would be reckless and irresponsible to open now. I understand many people had planned around the date, and it’s important we now provide a pathway for people to enter under compassionate grounds,” he said.
“If we can hold back this current Omicron outbreak, we will be one of the only places in the world that can reach a high third dose rate before experiencing community transmission.”
A state emergency disaster council meeting on Wednesday determinted the reopening date would not go ahead.
Returning West Australians or those with close family contacts can return and quarantine. Those wanting to travel to WA must be triple vaccinated where possible and return a negative rapid antigen test 24 hours prior to entry, and then quarantine.
International travel will be permitted under the arrivals cap, with 14 days of hotel and home quarantine.
As of Thursday, 88 per cent of the WA population aged over 12 was double vaccinated, while 25.8 per cent over 16 had received their booster jab.