Victoria virus spike could keep Qld border shut

The State Government might have announced more people into stadiums from next weekend, but it is standing firm on Queensland’s border closure, slamming their political rivals for pushing the state to open up.

A SPIKE in COVID-19 cases in Victoria could delay the long-awaited opening of Queensland’s borders, with health authorities monitoring the unfolding situation.

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles told The Sunday Mail late yesterday that Queensland desperately wanted to avoid what was happening in its southern counterpart.

Treasurer Cameron Dick says State Government will stick to border plan

Twenty-five new cases of the virus were recorded in Victoria yesterday – up from 13 on Friday, 18 on Thursday and 21 on Wednesday. A further 19 new cases were revealed today.

At a press conference today to announce greater capacity for Queensland sporting crowds, Mr Miles reiterated the state would keep the borders closed.

He labelled the LNP’s call to open up borders as “reckless” and Labor remained steadfast on borders being closed until at least July 10.

“It is the border controls that we put in place that means we can continue to ease restrictions here in Queensland, while Victoria experiences what is potentially a second wave,” Mr Miles.

“We would likely consider lifting those restrictions on the 10th of July.”

Mr Miles yesterday said that after working so hard to stop the spread of the virus, no one wanted to go backwards.

“It will be so much harder on businesses in the long run if we can’t stick to our recovery plans because of further outbreaks,” he said. “Queenslanders have done a good job, making many sacrifices, to keep our communities safe.

“This is a reminder that this pandemic is not over for us yet and we cannot afford to become complacent.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander yesterday stating the state had flattened the curve and his leader Deb Frecklington again today pressed for the border to open on July 1.

“I’m deeply concerned about people’s health and wellbeing...people are losing their jobs. The figures are terrifying,” Ms Frecklington said on Sunday. “We have flattened the curve. Now it’s time to reopen the economy.” Queensland borders, have been effectively shut since late March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Federal Resources Minister keith Pitt has told the State Government to “get on with” opening the borders and “test the boundaries” despite the recent surge in cases in Victoria.

Mr Pitt said the spike in cases down south was “concerning” but the public had to recognise “there was always going to be the case of localised hot spots” as economies opened up.

“The coronavirus remains very challenging in terms of the health response,” he told Sky News.

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government had been “appalling” economic managers and did not act in the interests of business.

“They’ll make their own decisions around borders but I certainly know business wants to get back to work, the case numbers are very very low in Queensland and we really do need to get out and test the boundaries,” he said.

He said the Federal Government’s advice had never been to close borders.

“State’s have made those decisions and I do think they need to get on with (opening the borders),” he said.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

No new cases were recorded in Queensland overnight on Friday, with just three active cases.

The Government has said it would reassess the border restrictions at the end of the month.

Fourteen of the new cases in Victoria were linked to existing outbreaks, including 10 to the Keilor Downs household outbreak, among them a primary school teacher.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the lifting of restrictions would be halted until July 12, while some would be tightened.

Household gatherings will be reduced to five people until July 12. Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 10.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs had been set to have 50 patrons at one time from tomorrow, up from 20, but that is also on hold until July 12.

And in bad news for the newly restarted AFL competition, Essendon speedster Conor McKenna has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Sunday Mail understands the season now faces another possible disruption, with investigations into how many teammates and club officials may be infected.

McKenna was due to return for the Bombers against Melbourne at the MCG today.

The match has been delayed until everyone in Essendon’s bubble has been cleared of the virus, and is likely to be played in the next month.

McKenna, who served 14 days of quarantine after returning from Ireland this month, will be isolated.

There are fears Essendon’s players could be forced to quarantine for 14 days after being exposed to McKenna at a training session yesterday.

Before news out of Victoria broke yesterday, Mr Mander said 30,000 protesters gathered two weeks ago and there had been no spike in infections in Queensland.

“The border closures are destroying around 1000 jobs a week in Queensland; it’s time to reopen the borders,” he said.

“It is safe, we have flattened the curve.

“There’s no risk to open up the borders.”

- Additional reporting Andi Yu, Annika Smethurst, Grant McArthur