Australia: Queensland requiring new arrivals from Sydney's Northern Beaches area to quarantine as of Dec. 18 due to COVID-19 cluster /update 13

Event

Queensland is enforcing quarantine rules for new arrivals from Sydney's Northern Beaches as of Dec. 18 due to a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the locality. Individuals in Northern Beaches on or after Dec. 11 and currently in Queensland should undergo testing for COVID-19 and quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days from the day they departed Northern Beaches. Those in Northern Beaches on or after Dec. 11 and arriving by air 0001 Dec. 17-0100 Dec. 19 must undergo testing for COVID-19 and quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days from the day they departed Northern Beaches. Anyone in Northern Beaches on or after Dec. 11 and arriving after 0100 Dec. 19 by air must undergo testing for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days at a hotel from the date they arrived in Queensland at their own expense. The measures apply to all Queensland visitors and residents. The protocols for affected individuals traveling by ground transportation into Queensland are unclear.

Additionally, authorities continue to implement reduced social distancing restrictions across the state. Officials allow gatherings of up to 50 people in public and at home statewide. The government also permits one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet) at indoor venues, matching outdoor establishments' capacity limits. Authorities previously raised the limit on outdoor events to 1,500 people, and sports stadiums can now seat patrons at full capacity. 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. Indoor seated events can also occur at 100-percent capacity, but patrons must wear facemasks when entering and leaving the venues. Officials also encourage residents to wear facemasks in other situations when social distancing is impossible; however, there is no active mandate in the state.

The government could designate restricted areas if COVID-19 activity emerges within the state. Officials could limit social gatherings to 10 people, restrict access to medical and aged care centers, and permit only seated food and beverage consumption, among other measures in restricted areas.

Domestic Border Controls
Queensland continues to pursue a targeted border strategy, and officials will continue to ban travelers from designated hotspots and not offer in-state quarantine options. Authorities typically allow returning Queensland residents, people moving permanently to the state, or those traveling for essential reasons - such as state or national security personnel, skilled labor in demand, and transport workers - to enter from hotspot areas with a 14-day quarantine. Travelers from hotspots must complete a Queensland Health Declaration Pass before entering the state and agree to receive COVID-19 testing if symptoms develop.

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