Australia: Queensland bans most travel from greater Sydney from Dec. 22. Quarantine requirements imposed on returning residents /update 14

Event

Health officials in Queensland have tightened border restrictions with New South Wales following an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in Sydney. As of Dec. 22, officials have declared all of greater Sydney to be a COVID-19 hotspot, meaning that most individuals with recent travel history in the Sydney metropolitan area are barred from entering Queensland. Exceptions to the travel ban are in place for Queensland residents and some essential workers. Any individuals with recent travel history in greater Sydney allowed to enter Queensland must travel by air and quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Any individual with recent travel history in areas of New South Wales outside greater Sydney must complete a Border Declaration Pass prior to entering Queensland. Police have imposed traffic checkpoints along roads linking Queensland with New South Wales to enforce the movement restrictions. Additional controls may be introduced in the coming days.

Authorities continue to implement some social-distancing restrictions across Queensland. Officials allow gatherings of up to 50 people in public and at home statewide. The government limits capacity to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet) at many indoor and outdoor venues. Most businesses, including bars and nightclubs, are operating with a government-approved COVID Safe plan. Officials require a COVID Safe Event Plan for all indoor events above 500 people and outdoor events above 1,500 people.

International Quarantine Requirements
All international travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Travelers from New Zealand are exempt from the requirement. Queensland charges all arriving travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable at the end of their stay. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,118) for the first adult, AUD 3,710 (USD 2,806) for two adults, and AUD 4,620 (USD 3,495) for two adults and two children. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test before release. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays in designated hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Queensland COVID-19 Information
Queensland Quarantine Information