Queensland is the first state without an active COVID outbreak to release a roadmap as to how their going to transition back to normality.
The Sunshine State shut the border to NSW in July and to Victoria in August as case numbers rose in those states and has enjoyed the past 18 months in relative freedom with little COVID.
However, as NSW and VIC prepare to rejoin the rest of the world, with international borders opening and COVID passports being issued, it’s only a matter of time before QLD has to do similar and plan its way out of the pandemic.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released the state’s roadmap to reopening which includes cross-border travel for full-vaccinated Australian’s from the states to the south.
However, as Queensland has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, at 56.9% double dose, the Premier has warned citizens that those who aren’t vaccinated are “running out of time”.
Palaszczuk said that her state would begin a phased border reopening for fully vaccinated people from 19 November.
While modelling shows that the state could reach the targets set out in the roadmap sooner, and that dates would be brought forward if so, Queensland is now “locked in” to opening up.
Here’s what you need to know.
Queensland’s Roadmap to Reopening
Queensland’s plan to reopen seeks to reunite families and allow for interstate travel. Much like NSW and VIC’s plans, the roadmap is a tiered system that unlocks gradual freedoms as the state reaches 70, 80, and 90% double dose vaccination levels.
At 70%
Anyone who has been in a declared domestic hotspot like Sydney or Melbourne in the previous 14 days can travel into Queensland as long as they are fully vaccinated and arrive by plane.
70% is expected to be reached by 19 November and this date won’t be shifted backwards.
They must be able to show a negative COVID test taken up to 72 hours before arrival and will have to undertake home quarantine for 14 days once in the state.
Direct international arrivals into Queensland will still have to complete 14 days quarantine in a Government-nominated facility.
At 80%
Anyone from a declared domestic hotspot for the past 14 days can travel to Queensland by plane or by road as long as they are fully vaccinated.
80% is expected to be reached by 17 December.
They must also be able to show a negative COVID test taken up to 72 hours before arrival but the big change is that they won’t have to undertake any quarantine when they do.
Direct international arrivals into Queensland will be allowed to quarantine at home for 14 days.
When Queensland hits 80%, they have stated that there will no longer be government financial assistance available in the event of increased restrictions or lockdowns.
At 90%
No entry restrictions or quarantine for vaccinated arrivals from interstate or overseas.
Queensland has not set a date at which they expect to hit 90% vaccination.
Unvaccinated travellers will still need to apply for a border pass and undertake 14 days quarantine
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