Australia: Authorities to lift lockdown in Cairns and Yarrabah from 16:00 Aug. 11 /update 41

Event

Officials will lift lockdown measures in Cairns and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Far North Queensland from 16:00 Aug. 11. Cairns and Yarrabah will now have the same local restrictions as the 11 LGAs in South East Queensland, where authorities lifted similar lockdown restrictions Aug. 8. The affected South East areas include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redlands, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast. Under the measures, facemasks will remain mandatory in public unless exercising or walking alone. Up to 10 people can gather indoors and outdoors. Schools may reopen. Businesses can operate with restrictions, including a one person per four square meters (43 square feet) rule or at 50 percent capacity with seated ticket allocations.

For the rest of Queensland, private indoor gatherings remain limited to 100 people. The government permits businesses and events to operate at one person per two square meters (21 square feet); seated events can occur at 100-percent capacity. Stadiums with a capacity of more than 20,000 can operate at 100-percent capacity with allocated seating and will require facemasks. Authorities encourage people to carry facemasks, 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. 11, the government designates New South Wales (NSW), South Australia, and Victoria as hotspots. Nonresidents that visited these locations within 14 days cannot enter Queensland. Exceptions are possible for essential travel and relocations. 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.

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