Stranded boy may miss school because of Brisbane ‘red zone’

The family of a 15-year-old Victorian boy stuck in Queensland are frustrated he may not be allowed out of the state in time for him to quarantine ahead of the start of the school year.

A 15-year-old boy remains stuck in Brisbane and unable to return to his father in Victoria due to COVID border restrictions.

Campbell Lawrence arrived on December 16 to visit his mother Carolyn Morey in Narangba for his school holidays before the city underwent a sudden lockdown on Friday January 8 after Brisbane reported the nation’s first confirmed case of the UK strain of the virus in the community.

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Brisbane has since only recorded one case of community transmission – the partner of the first case – however remains on high alert for the strain which is 70 per cent more contagious.

Victoria soon closed its borders to Greater Brisbane, forcing the state’s stranded to seek exemptions or wait for news of reopening.

Campbell’s father, Trent Lawrence, is awaiting his son to fly back this Friday to prepare for schooling and attend cricket matches with his team over the weekend.

His parents have applied for an exemption on Monday to return to Melbourne, after Campbell also returned a negative COVID result.

Ms Morey said the situation was “very, very disappointing”, with her son due to start an early VET course at his school to become a veterinarian and could possibly miss the start of Year 10 at St Peter’s College.

She said while talking to the Victorian Health helpline, she was told the exemption could not be escalated as it was “not urgent”.

Victorian Campbell Lawrence, 15, who is visiting his mum Carolyn Morey in Queensland is worried the start of the school year will be delayed for him because of Covid restrictions. Picture: Lachie Millard

“I’m not entirely sure why they’re classing Brisbane as a red zone – Queensland has been the most disciplined state I’ve ever been in … everybody is wearing a mask,” she said.

“Its really disappointing a child’s schooling is not classed as something important.

“He’s quite keen to get back to school … If he has to isolate for 14 days in Melbourne, that’s OK, but he needs to leave Friday.”

A Victorian Health spokeswoman said border rules were in place to protect Victorians.

“We know current border restrictions are difficult, and we thank everyone for their patience in helping us control the spread of coronavirus and keeping Victorians safe,” she said.

“We also want people to stay safe as they undertake transit journeys back to Victoria. Every exemption is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and is being processed as quickly as possible.”

Victoria has received over 5000 applications from Queensland red zones.

Originally published as Stranded boy may miss school because of Brisbane ‘red zone’