Perth: After a long wait, Western Australia will open its borders on February 5th next year. Premier Mark McGowan made the announcement at a news conference in Perth. The long-awaited announcement comes as the vaccination rate for the state's population aged 12 and over has reached 80 per cent.

The state government estimates that by the time the border is opened, 90 percent of the population will have been vaccinated. It is after two years that the western Australian border is opening.

Interstate travellers and international travellers who have received two-doses of vaccine will have a quarantine-free entry into the state from February. Admission will be from 12:01 a.m. on February 5th. Travellers will have to comply with strict Covid restrictions, including wearing masks in public. Proof of completion of vaccination and negative Covid test result 72 hours before departure to the state must be produced. The test should be repeated when it reaches the state. This applies to all passengers 12 years and older.

A Covid test is not required on return, if passengers leave the state within five days. The government has said that the G2G pass system will continue for the time being.

Premier Mark McGowan reported that since November 5th, more than 53,000 positive cases and 220 deaths occurred in New South Wales and Victoria. Western Australia currently has borders with all states except Tasmania.

Western Australia's announcement comes after Scott Morrison said international students and workers would be allowed to enter Australia from Wednesday.