Australia: Authorities ban most travel from Greater Brisbane as of Jan. 8 /update 10

Event

Tasmanian authorities are banning most travel from the Greater Brisbane area in Queensland as of Jan. 8 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Greater Brisbane includes Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, and Logan. The decision is due to the government classifying Greater Brisbane as a “high-risk” location. The government is barring entry for most travelers who were in Greater Brisbane since Jan. 2; officials are exempting Tasmanian residents who have received approval through the G2G travel pass system, as well as nonresidents who are essential travelers. People in Tasmania who had visited Queensland since Jan. 2 are required to self-isolate until further notice. Travelers intending to visit Tasmania from unaffected areas of Queensland must reapply for their Tas e-Travel pass.

Tasmanian authorities continue to implement gathering, commercial, and travel restrictions due to ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in Australia. The government allows groups of up to 100 people at home. Nonessential businesses are operating. Authorities permit outdoor events of up to 1,000 people and indoor public crowds of 250 people, provided venues adhere to a density limit of one person per 2 square meters (21 square feet). Officials permit up to 100 people on dancefloors at indoor venues and 250 people at outdoor venues. Cinemas and indoor theatres can host events up to 75 percent of their capacity, up to 250 people. Capacity restrictions do not apply to emergency services, transport hubs, and educational institutions, among others.

Domestic Border Controls
Tasmania uses a targeted border strategy, and officials assess entry and quarantine requirements based on risk level. As of Jan. 5, officials are designating the Northern Beaches local government area in New South Wales and specific premises in Victoria as high-risk. Nonresidents from these areas are banned, though officials will permit travel under the Essential Traveller scheme. Returning Tasmanian residents from high-risk sites must quarantine at either their residence or a designated facility for 14 days. Officials continually update high-risk locations, and people from high-risk areas or venues already in Tasmania must contact authorities and may have to self-isolate at their residence. The government continues to classify Greater Sydney and Wollongong as medium risk; travelers can enter from these locations but must self-quarantine for 14 days. All other locations in Australia are low risk, and most passengers from these locations can enter without quarantine. All travelers must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Tasmania has designated New Zealand as a low-risk location, and travelers from the country can enter the state without quarantine. Tasmania is charging domestic and international travelers for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,159) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 771) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 385) for children, except those under three years old.

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 at 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

Tasmania COVID-19 Information
Tasmania Government Travel Alerts