Australia: Queensland maintaining COVID-19 restrictions, border controls for travelers from New South Wales and Victoria as of Jan. 6 /update 15

Event

Queensland continues to implement some social-distancing restrictions statewide as of Jan. 6. 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. Hospitality businesses must transition to collecting and storing patrons' contact information electronically; hospitality venues that do not use electronic collection methods must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Officials require a COVID Safe Event Plan for all indoor events above 500 people and outdoor events above 1,500 people.

Domestic Border Controls
Authorities continue to declare Greater Sydney as a COVID-19 hotspot and ban most individuals that have traveled in the Sydney metropolitan area within the past 14 days from entering the state. Queensland residents and some essential personnel can still enter, but they must apply for a border pass, travel by air, and quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Travelers from other parts of New South Wales can also enter the state but must apply for a border pass. Officials are also requesting any visitors or residents that have traveled to Victoria since Dec. 21 to get tested and self-quarantine until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Authorities are also preventing travelers to Victoria within the previous 14 days from visiting hospitals and aged care facilities until further notice. Police have imposed traffic checkpoints along roads linking Queensland with New South Wales to enforce the movement restrictions.

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 2,177) for the first adult, AUD 3,710 (USD 2,884) for two adults, and AUD 4,620 (USD 3,592) 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