Queensland reopens to citizens as state hits 70 per cent double dose vaccination
In a matter of hours, Queensland will open to thousands of people who have waited months to enter. But authorities have already issued a warning to keen travellers.
Queensland is finally reopening to its citizens after the state hit its long-awaited first target of 70 per cent double dose vaccination.
Queensland residents have been stuck in NSW, Victoria and the ACT for months due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreaks in the three regions but thanks to the state’s vaccination milestone, the Sunshine State will reopen slightly from this afternoon.
From 5pm, Queensland residents will be allowed to return to the state via air, provided they’ve tested negative to coronavirus within 72 hours of their flight, have completed their border pass form online and are in a position to quarantine at home for 14 days.
Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski issued a warning to people hoping to return home today.
“People coming in need to make sure they do meet the requirements of entry to be able to complete home quarantine. If they don't, they will not be issued with a border pass,” he told reporters.
“People can expect that when they arrive into the airport, there will be police and they will expect to get checked.
“Similarly, when people go into home quarantine, for the duration of the 14 days they will be subject to ongoing compliance taking and if the compliance checking that we do shows that there is a problem, they can expect police to turn up at the door.”
Mr Gollschewski urged Queenslanders to “understand their obligations before they come”.
“It’s really important to remember that there are still breaches for failure to do this. Anyone that comes into our airport, not only will be they turned away if they do not have the right paperwork, they will be breaching as per the health directions,” he said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the state for hitting its first vaccination milestone.
Queensland has had 81.99 per cent of its population over 16 receive one dose of coronavirus vaccine and 70.25 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Ms Palaszczuk also hinted at the likelihood of opening the state earlier than the December 17 target after hitting the 70 per cent target.
Queensland wasn’t expected to reach this milestone until November 19 with the Premier suggesting the 80 per cent target, and its increased border easing, may arrive up to a week sooner than initially planned.
“Queenslanders have done such a great job that this 70 per cent milestone has been reached earlier than expected so we are definitely on track to meet the December 17 (opening target) but it may come earlier,” she told reporters.
“We’re on target to reach it by December 17 but we’re now a week earlier so it could come a week earlier.”
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath earlier said she did not expect delays or cheating in the state’s border pass system.
“If you think you can rort the system, if you think you can get a border pass and get on a plane and get off the other end and not be caught … you will be found out,” Ms D’Ath said.
Criteria to enter Queensland from Monday 5pm
– Fully vaccinated against coronavirus and have received your second dose at least a fortnight before your flight
– A negative PCR Covid test, at least 72 hours before your flight
– A home where you can quarantine safely for 14 days that does not require you to pass through common areas, including stairwells and lifts, to enter your front door
– Land in Queensland at an airport that is within two hours from your home
– Travel to your home via your own car or contactless car hire. Taxis and rideshare apps, including Uber and Ola, are forbidden
– Approved border pass from the Queensland government
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