Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announced on Wednesday that Victoria was now a “low risk” state, after eight new cases were recorded in Melbourne, linked to removalists who travelled from Sydney. As a “low risk” state, anyone who arrives in WA from Victoria must self-isolate for 14 days. Passengers on board Virgin Australia flight VA681 were met by authorities after touching down at 1.15pm, and were told they would either need to return immediately to Melbourne, or self-isolate for 14 days after the changes came into effect at 1pm.One traveller told 9 News Perth he had checked the border restrictions upon boarding the plane in Melbourne. “I checked the Western Australia website, we were very low risk,” the man said. “Everything was fine. I guess it all just happened while we were in the air.”Mr McGowan posted the changes to social media, saying he understood “these changes may be disruptive for WA families”. “However, our strengthened border controls are an important tool for us to keep this dangerous virus out of WA,” he said. Western Australians took to Mr McGowan’s Facebook page to question the drastic measures. “Mark, this is just stupid. Why not just close to the specific Melbourne LGA’s that are potentially infected? No other premier does this. Every case is linked in Victoria,” Goto Takahashi said. “Why close off the whole state??? So over regional Victoria being penalised for metro cases!!! Now to tell my kids that they won’t see dad for even longer,” Annette Collis said. The WA government has also come under question for still allowing Geelong players into the state ahead of an AFL match this weekend, despite having spent time at the MCG which has been classified as an exposure site. “Footy is not essential and definitely not worth the risk,” Alan Burgess said. “I don’t get why there are different rules for the AFL players. Rules apply to everyone or not at all,” Beverley Jackson said. Western Australia still has Queensland classified as a medium risk, despite no unlinked cases recorded in the community for weeks. Virgin Australia and Mr McGowan’s office have been contacted for comment.
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