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Touch down: First flights from Victoria arrive

The first flights from Victoria have landed on the Sunshine Coast today where its passengers will undergo strict health checks conducted by police

The first flights from Victoria are due to land at Sunshine Coast Airport today. Photo: File.
The first flights from Victoria are due to land at Sunshine Coast Airport today. Photo: File.

THE first flights from Victoria have landed on the Sunshine Coast this morning where its passengers will undergo strict health checks conducted by police.

Three interstate flights, two from Melbourne, will arrive at Sunshine Coast Airport for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak sent the state into lockdown.

Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said 15 officers, in conjunction with Queensland Health and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, would conduct safety checks on the passengers.

It comes after Victorian premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the state recorded 127 new cases overnight.

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Supt Hawkins said authorities would check passengers for four things: whether they come from a COVID-19 hotspot, whether they come from overseas, have they been exposed to COVID-19 and whether they're showing symptoms.

"As people come off flights, they will be put through a series of checks and given a border pass, subject to monitoring," Supt Hawkins said.

"If they are from a hotspot, they will be encouraged to return home.

"Those who elect to remain will be taken to a predesignated hotel at their own expense.

"There's no punishment for coming here from a hotspot but if false information is provided that is subject to heavy fines."

Supt Hawkins said charges could be laid for providing false information. 

He said he did not know how many passengers in total would arrive but said that number had "diminished" with people reconsidering their options.

More to come.

Originally published as

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/touch-down-first-flights-from-victoria-arrive/news-story/3624755fe61845a48366f6cbc44dd28e