Australia: Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions in Cairns, Yarrabah, and South East Queensland from 16:00 Aug. 20 /update 42

Event

Queensland officials will ease restrictions in Cairns and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 11 LGAs in South East Queensland from 16:00 Aug. 20 amid reduced COVID-19 concerns. In South East LGAs (i.e., Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redlands, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast), authorities will permit gatherings of up to 30 people and up to 100 people at weddings and funerals. Seated, indoor venues and stadiums can host events at 75 percent capacity. Facemasks are required in indoor areas, on public transport, and outdoors when social distancing is impossible.

Authorities will further reduce measures in Cairns and Yarrabah, bringing them in line with statewide controls. Private indoor gatherings can take place with up to 100 people. The government permits businesses and events to operate with up to one person per two square meters (21 square feet); seated events can be held at full capacity. Stadiums with more than 20,000 seats can also operate at up to 100 percent capacity with allocated seating and facemasks for patrons. Authorities encourage people to carry facemasks and use them on public transport and at locations where physical distancing is impossible.

Some companies, including indoor hospitality venues, convention centers, stadiums, and casinos, must comply with the COVID Safe Checklist. Officials require businesses to collect contact information. Hospitality businesses must collect and store customers' contact information electronically and use the Check In Qld mobile application. Patrons must also use the app at large venues, shopping centers, personal services, public events, recreation facilities, short-term accommodations, and places of worship, among others; failure to comply may result in a fine.

Domestic Border Controls
Queensland permits travel from many areas of Australia without quarantine; however, all travelers must complete a Queensland Travel Declaration 72 hours before arrival. As of Aug. 19, the government designates the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Darwin and Katherine regions of Northern Territory, and Victoria as hotspots. Nonresidents that visited these locations within 14 days cannot enter Queensland. Exceptions are possible for essential travel and relocations. Officials plan to tighten requirements for essential travel from NSW in the coming days. Returning residents and exempt travelers must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass three business days before arrival and quarantine for 14 days at government-designated accommodations at their own expense. Residents in designated border areas of NSW can still enter Queensland without quarantine for essential reasons, such as work, medical visits, and meeting legal obligations, if impossible to handle such obligations in NSW. Residents in the Walgett Shire, Bourke Shire, Brewarrina Shire, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, City of Lismore, and Richmond Valley Council LGAs must complete a Queensland entry pass and monitor exposure site lists for two weeks after entry.

Quarantine Requirements
Most international travelers entering Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Arrivals from New Zealand are exempt from quarantine. Queensland charges all arriving travelers for quarantine; fees are payable at the end of the traveler's stay. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 for the first adult, AUD 3,710 for two adults, and AUD 4,620 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 14 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays if authorities announce hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Queensland COVID-19 Information
Queensland Quarantine Information
Queensland Contact Tracing