Olympians escape Qld quarantine despite hotspot declaration

Athletes returning from Howard Springs will avoid a second stint of quarantine despite parts of the Northern Territory being declared a hotspot from Wednesday.

Queensland’s Olympians locked down at Howard Springs will escape a second bout of quarantine despite the Greater Darwin region being declared a Covid-19 hotspot.

There were fears athletes could be forced into a second stint of quarantine in Queensland after chief health officer Jeannette Young declared the Northern Territory a hotspot from 1am on Wednesday.

However, Queensland Health said athletes returning from Howard Springs next week would be exempt from quarantine in Brisbane as long as they take private transport to Darwin Airport and do not spend time in the community.

24 hours after the closing ceremony Australians Olympians arrive at Darwin International Airport en route to Howard Springs for 14 Days Quarantine. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Queensland Health spokesman said the agency had been working closely with the Australian Olympic Committee to ensure the safety of athletes.

The first flight of returning Queensland Olympians is due to land in Brisbane from Darwin on Tuesday evening just hours before the border is slammed shut.

Nearly half the group of athletes and support staff leaving Howard Springs will fly into Brisbane, including a large contingent who brought Australia success in the pool in Tokyo.

Queensland Health’s determination avoids a repeat of South Australia’s controversial decision to force athletes completing their 14 days of hotel quarantine in Sydney to do another two weeks in isolation when they arrive home from NSW.

The 28-day quarantine period would be enforced despite all athletes being fully vaccinated and an appeal from the AOC, which said it could have a detrimental effect on their mental health.