Coronavirus Gold Coast: Premier reveals why she is opening the border but banning Victorians

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed why she is reopening the state’s border as she issued a blunt warning to Victorians.

VICTORIANS are being given a blunt message — do not visit Queensland.

And Queenslanders are being told, under no circumstances, do not even consider visiting south beyond the NSW border.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Dr Steven Miles gave this warning when updating COVID-19 restrictions today.

“Let me state from the outset, Queensland has very large concerns about the state of Victoria,” the Premier said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk — she had a blunt message to Victorians. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

FIRST LOOK: GIANT NEW TOWER FOR MAIN BEACH

“There have been 250 cases in the past seven days. Yesterday 75, and today 64. There is community transmission. There’s been outbreaks in hotels, schools, health care, retail and a distribution centre.

“So due to the current community transmission levels, the border with Victoria will remain closed and will be strengthened.

“Tougher measures will apply from this Friday, July 3 at twelve noon. Anyone who has travelled from Victoria, including Queenslanders, will be prevented from entering, all will have to quarantine at a hotel at their own expense for two weeks.

“We just can’t risk moving border restrictions for people coming from areas of Victoria right now.

“And I hope Queenslanders understand why I am saying that. I’m not alone in saying that. I understand the South Australian Premier also has concerns. But these are very big concerns. We want to help Victoria out.”

EARLIER: FEARS BORDER COULD STAY CLOSED ‘FOR WEEKS’

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

The Premier said the government had sent the Deputy Chief Health officer to Victoria and would provide more support.

Ms Palaszczuk said the other States and territories were all in a similar position to Queensland, and from July 10 those visitors could travel into Queensland after filling in a border declaration.

“This border declaration is to ensure no-one has travelled to Victoria in the past 14 days. If you falsify a document, you will face strict penalties and fines up to $4000,” she said.

If outbreaks occur in other states, Queensland would review its position, the Premier warned.

“We do not take these decisions lightly. My number one concern is to protect Queenslanders and Queensland families. We believe we have the balance right,” she said.

Dr Miles said there were no further COVID-19 cases in Queensland, with the State having nine cases since going to stage two restrictions, of which two were active, and one in hospital.

He said Victoria had twice the number of total cases than Queensland, with 288 active cases.

“They are managing multiple outbreaks on multiple fronts. There is no interstate rivalry here. We are all in this together,” he said.

Coolangatta Beach as seen from Greenmount. Photo: Leah O'Connell, Coolangatta.

“This virus does not respect State borders. So we must enforce them.

“These new stricter rules will ensure we contain the virus in Victoria. Our message to Queenslanders is please do not go there. Our message to Victorians is please do not come here until these outbreaks are under control.

“We do not want to bring those cases here. We want to bring our resources to Victoria to assist them there.”

The Premier updated on Queensland restrictions from Friday into stage three.

“Wedding ceremonies will be up to 100 people, there will be contact community sports, there will be no limit on spectators outside of social distancing, we will be looking with businesses like cafes, pubs and restaurants and surf clubs and RSL's, that with small businesses under 200 sqm, the one person per two square metre rule will apply.

Coolangatta main street. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“So that will mean more people coming in supporting our small businesses across Queensland. Casinos will be able to open, and of course concert venues and theatres, 50 per cent or one per four square metre rule will apply.”