Queenslanders asked to ‘reconsider’ travel to Melbourne

Following a new case of COVID-19 in a hotel quarantine worker in Victoria, state premiers have been quick to respond with their border controls.

Following the new case of coronavirus in Melbourne detected overnight, state premiers have been quick to react.

From early this morning, NSW Health began screening passengers arriving on flights from Melbourne following a positive case of COVID-19 in a hotel quarantine worker in Melbourne.

They are also being asked if they have been to any of the venues of concern listed on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.

Anyone who has been in Melbourne since January 30 is asked to check the Victorian health website, to check if they have attended a public exposure site.

If they have, they should get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days since being there, regardless of the result. They should not travel to NSW.

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NSW Health began screening passengers arriving on flights from Melbourne following a positive case of COVID-19. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

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“You must also get tested again towards the end the 14-day period (12 days after exposure) regardless of symptoms,” a health spokeswoman said.

“In addition, if you develop any symptoms during that period, please get tested immediately.

“People who arrive from Victoria will also have to complete passenger declaration. People who provide false information are subject to an on-the-spot fine.

“Anyone else in NSW who has recently been in Melbourne should continue to monitor the Victorian DHHS website for additional venues of concern and updated health advice and follow this advice.”

While no new cases were detected in NSW to 8pm on Wednesday, five people in NSW were staying at a Victorian quarantine hotel when COVID-19 spread between guests in opposite rooms.

Travellers from Greater Melbourne in to Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide will undergo more checks. Picture: Image/Josh Woning

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“These five people have already been contacted and advised to get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there regardless of the test result, and to test again at the end of that period,” NSW Health said.

“NSW Health is closely monitoring the situation in Victoria and will update its health advice accordingly. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Victoria and other jurisdictions to ensure that appropriate public health measures are in place to protect the community.”

Meanwhile, Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has urged anyone who has visited Greater Melbourne since January 29 to get tested for coronavirus and isolate until they receive a negative result.

“There is no decision at this time to close the border, but we are asking Queenslanders to reconsider travel to Victoria,” she said.

Acting Queensland Premier Steven Miles urged residents to check the list of coronavirus exposure sites, released by Victorian Health authorities.

“If they have been to any of those locations at the time is of concern, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days,” he said.

States are reacting to the new Victorian case. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

SA Premier Steven Marshall has put new border measures in place. Picture: Mike Burton

The state’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said that if Queenslanders are able to delay their travel to Victoria, they should.

“I do strongly advise that people in Queensland reconsider their need to travel to Greater Melbourne at this time,” she said at a press conference on Thursday.

“If they don’t need to travel, or if there isn’t urgency, they should delay their travel until all of this is worked through because if things do deteriorate in Victoria, which I’m very hopeful they won’t, but if they do deteriorate, they may be caught and have to then quarantine when they return home to Queensland.”

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall revealed his state’s border with Victoria will remain open.

However, there will be greater requirements for testing for those entering South Australia from the Greater Melbourne area.

People entering from Greater Melbourne will need to have a test on day one, five and 12 in South Australia and isolate after the first test pending a negative result.