Coronavirus Qld: 742 turned away from Qld airports, borders, 185k passes downloaded since Friday

Travellers heading into Queensland from Friday have been warned that there will be long delays, but Annastacia Palaszczuk has said there will be no apologies and that the state needed to be vigilant to stop a spike like that experienced in Melbourne.

QUEENSLAND’S borders will reopen to everyone except Victoria residents on Friday, with the Premier warning southerners travelling to the state to expect lengthy delays.

While Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk encouraged Australians to visit the Sunshine State, she also urged them to plan ahead.

“There will be long delays,” she said. “Maybe you can choose to come another day or don’t go during the peak times.”

But Ms Palaszczuk refused to apologies for lengthy wait times to get into the state.

“It is really important we keep Queensland safe and that is why we are checking to see if anyone has either come from Victoria or travelled to Victoria in the last 14 days.

“What’s happening in Victoria could still happen anywhere in Australia, that’s why we need to be vigilant.

“These measures are for the protection of Queensland and I make no apologies.”

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said everyone who has been to Victoria in the past 14 days will be forced to hotel quarantine at their own expense upon entering Queensland.

Coronavirus Qld: Premier confirms first new case since June 26

Southern states launch quarantine attack on Qld

Govt warns campers after 40 4WDs turned away

“Our primary focus is making sure the great ground we have made is maintained and we can keep COVID out of the state,” he said.

“We do expect that the increase in traffic flow and flow through our airport will put more pressure on our system.”

“If we don’t get it right the consequence is we could have the virus re-emerge in this state.”

Mr Gollschewski said some professionals were granted exemptions, but most others would be placed in a hotel at their own expense.

He asked people coming into Queensland to “plan ahead, allow extra time, have your border declaration pass ready and be patient”.

Victorians must provide proof that they have spent 14 days outside of Victoria prior to entering Queensland.

Proof constitutes date-stamped photos and receipts, Mr Gollschewski said.

Border passes for Queensland must be renewed every seven days.

About 185,000 border passes have been downloaded since Friday.

Since Friday, 115 flights have landed into Queensland and 17 of those flights were from Victoria.

Thirty-three people were refused entry at airports and 63 were directed into mandatory quarantine, while 709 were turned away while driving and 12 more were quarantined.