Number: A05/2022
Date: 26 June 2022
Due to the continuing COVID-19 situation in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT), Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain has provided approval for the states of emergency to be extended until 30 September 2022.
We continue to have active COVID community transmission in the IOT. While we have high levels of vaccination rates on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, our remote location and limited medical facilities means the ongoing pandemic remains a risk to our community and health service provision.
Public health advice confirms the IOT remains in a different stage of COVID transmission and management to Western Australia and the rest of Australia.
Supported by the Territory Controllers, I continually review the need for the state of emergency declarations and local COVID response requirements. We continue to work on a staged scaling-back of restrictions when appropriate.
As Chair of the IOT COVID-19 subcommittee, I would like to thank its members, including the Territory Controllers, for their work to mitigate risks during this ongoing and challenging situation, and all the staff of our health services for providing the best possible care to our community.
I would also like to thank the people of the IOT for your understanding throughout the COVID response. Your support in doing the right thing has helped keep your friends, families and communities safe over the past months.
Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands