Coronavirus Gold Coast: Border tightens as Qld Government tries to slow spread of coronavirus

Restrictions, road closures and police numbers are set to ramp up between the Gold Coast and the Tweed.

Queensland Police checking NSW registered vehicles on Griffith St at Coolangatta Picture: Jerad Williams

THE Queensland border continues to tighten with restrictions, road closures and police numbers set to ramp up between the Coast and the Tweed.

From 12.01am Friday, April 3, there will only be three entry points into the state through the Gold Coast, with police putting in roadblocks on all but the M1, the Gold Coast Highway and Griffith St.

All the smaller entry roads into Queensland will be closed, with police set to funnel that traffic through Griffith St, which will have a checkpoint similar to the ones already seen on the M1 and the Gold Coast Highway.

Queensland Police stopping NSW registered vehicles on the Gold Coast Highway at Bilinga due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. Picture: Jerad Williams

And the border could potentially tighten even further as police throw a massive number of resources to restrict movement between the two states for all non essential travel to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Police Minister Mark Ryan made the announcement yesterday, less than a week after the border restrictions were put in place by the State Government.

Under last week’s restrictions, anyone crossing the border could do so provided they self-isolated for 14 days afterwards, but Friday’s new controls will prevent any non-Queenslander who doesn’t have an exemption from crossing into the state altogether.

“Anyone who is not a Queensland resident or considered exempt from the restrictions will not be able to enter Queensland from 12.01am Friday, April 3, 2020,” Mr Ryan said in a statement.

A Queensland Police officer speaks to a motorist at the border. Picture: Jerad Williams

“And it’s important to note that people with an exemption must have a border pass prior to crossing the border.

“If they don’t have a border pass then they will be turned around Freight transport services are exempt and will be allowed through without a border pass permit.”

The move effectively puts a complete halt on interstate movements with the exception of emergencies and vital transport and logistics, but Mr Ryan said it was necessary to strengthen the border at this time.

“Now is not the time to be travelling interstate unnecessarily,” he said.

“Unless you are a Queensland resident or have an exemption such as you work here or are required to travel for medical reasons, or are involved in freight transportation, you will be turned away.

“We are giving people plenty of warning about the stronger border controls that are being put in place.

“We are doing this in the interests of community safety.”