December 21, 2020
Checkpoints have now been reinstated at all major Queensland border crossings and will be continually rolled out across the State by 6:00am on Tuesday.
A police spokesperson said anyone entering Queensland by road or air from NSW, including Queensland residents, will need to complete a border declaration pass online prior to travelling to Queensland.
Queensland residents who return from a hotspot before 1:00am on Tuesday can complete the 14-day quarantine process at home, provided they undergo a COVID-19 test.
The spokesperson warned that people quarantining at home must take their obligations seriously. Police will be conducting random checks on people in home quarantine to ensure they are not putting others at risk by going into public spaces.
Police will also remain at airports with compliance checks carried out on all flights from NSW and random checks on passengers disembarking from other interstate flights.
State Disaster Co-ordinator Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said tightening border controls was vital to keep Queenslanders safe.
“As with previous border changes, we expect significant delays for motorists at some border crossings and we thank everyone for their patience,” he said.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to understand and listen closely to the Queensland public health directions as the situation in NSW develops.
“Now is not the time to be complacent, and I’d like to thank all Queenslanders for playing their part to help keep our community safe.”
Failure to comply with quarantine directions and border restrictions can result in on-the-spot fines of $1334 for individuals and $6672 for corporations.
Providing false information on the declaration or entering Queensland unlawfully could result in a $4003 fine.
- The Queensland Entry Declaration can be accessed at www.qld.gov.au/border-pass and is valid for 14 days.
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More than 16,350 tests COVID tests have been carried out in just four days in Queensland – up 66 per cent from earlier this month.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the turnout was a testament to the people of Queensland.
“I am constantly amazed at the incredible community we have in this State,” Dr Young said.
“In times of need, Queenslanders deliver – this sort of response is absolutely critical for us to remain safe and keeping COVID-19 out of our State.
“I cannot thank you all enough for following advice, please keep up the good work.”
Anyone who has travelled from a declared NSW hotspot on or since Friday, December 11, should get a COVID-19 test and immediately self-isolate.
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Everyone who has any COVID-19 symptoms at all, no matter how mild, should get tested immediately.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea, and loss of smell or taste.
Other symptoms people may experience include muscle or joint pain, and loss of appetite.
Dr Young said there may be a wait at some testing clinics, but there was a focus on testing people with symptoms as quickly as possible.
- External link: Find Your Nearest Testing Clinic
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In NSW, 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported on Monday, taking the number of cases linked to the Avalon cluster to 83.
More than 38,000 people were tested in NSW during the previous 24 hours.
NSW Health also released an expanded the list of venues on the Northern Beaches and North Shore linked to the outbreak.
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