WA changes border rules again, locking nation out for Christmas

Western Australia has tightened its travel rules for the rest of the country overnight, in a new border crackdown just in time for Christmas.

People traveling from Queensland and Tasmania are now forced into quarantine after COVID-19 outbreaks in each state.

Queensland has moved medium risk, meaning travellers must have an exemption to enter the state, then spend two weeks in quarantine.

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Tasmanians must also serve 14 days in self-isolation.

All arrivals must be fully vaccinated.

NSW is now "extreme risk", locking everyone out except in "extraordinary circumstances".

The hard border is due to be lifted on February 5, 2022, when the state is tipped to hit 90 per cent double vaccinated.

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The new rules came as NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet refused to re-instate restrictions in NSW, despite 10,000 people in the state catching COVID-19 in just four days.

But he admitted COVID-19 would bring more "curveballs" in the future and the government would continue to consider any advised response.

Both the Premier and Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the key to limiting the virus spread was "personal responsibility".

"The government can't do everything," Mr Perrottet said.

"It's over to the people of our state.

Infection rates are creeping up around the country, with tens of thousands already set to stay in isolation over Christmas.