EMNI - 14 October 2021

Review of travel restrictions to the island from NSW, Victoria, and the ACTEMT has reviewed the current travel restrictions for travellers from NSW, Victoria, and the ACT this morning. Travel holidays to the island are currently not allowed under the restrictions in place in each jurisdiction.

Travel to the island by returning residents and essential workers has been permitted from these areas and they have been required to undergo 14 days self-isolation on arrival. EMT has decided that from 14 October 2021, fully vaccinated returning residents and essential workers from the above areas will be tested on arrival and will only need to isolate until they receive a negative test result. Unvaccinated returning residents and essential workers will be required to undergo the 14 days self-isolation upon arrival.

The Island’s reopening plan to “living with COVID” states and territories.

With several states and territories opening to living with COVID-19 EMT has been working to produce a plan for the island to be able to open to these areas with the knowledge that in doing so the COVID-19 virus will eventually reach the island.

Based on the information available to EMT NSW will be the first state to reopen. Currently the plan is to fully reopen by 1 December. At that date more than 80% of the state’s population will be fully vaccinated. The ACT is likely to follow NSW and Victoria sometime after that. The reopening requirements may change within and between jurisdictions and EMT may need to accommodate these. However, for travel planning purposes the current plan is as follows: -1. From 1 December 2021, travel to the island will be allowed from any state or territory that has reached an 80% vaccination rate. 2. Proof of vaccination status will be required in completing the Entry Permit to the island. 3. Unvaccinated travellers will be required to undergo 14 days self-isolation on the island. Fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to undergo self-isolation.

Other requirements covering public gatherings, businesses, testing and isolation and quarantine are included in the plan to ensure that the island reopens in a safe way and protects the economy.

For any questions about the COVID-19 response on Norfolk Island, please visit the Norfolk Island Regional Council website: http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/covid-19-advice-norfolk... in the first instance or contact Detective Sergeant Glenn Elder, IMT Incident Controller at IO-Norfolk-Island@afp.gov.au or +6723 22222. Alternatively, could you contact the Welfare Co-ordinator on 52777.14 October 2021EMT