22 Apr 2022 | 05:42 AM UTC
Australia: Queensland to end quarantine requirements for close contacts, unvaccinated returning residents from 18:00 April 28 /update 55
Queensland, Australia, to lift quarantine mandate for close contacts, unvaccinated arrivals from 18:00 April 28. Other measures ongoing.
Event
Queensland authorities will end self-quarantine requirements for close contacts of COVID-19 cases from 18:00 April 28. However, close contacts must take a COVID-19 test every other day, wear facemasks when visiting indoor public areas or outdoor locations where social distancing is impossible, and refrain from entering vulnerable settings, such as medical facilities. Close contacts must inform their company of their designation; workers who test negative can return to work, though officials encourage employees to work remotely, if possible. Any close contact that develops symptoms should self-quarantine, regardless of test results.
The government will also lift a quarantine mandate for unvaccinated international arrivals. Unvaccinated inbound travelers still need to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival or if any symptoms develop. Officials also ban these travelers from entering vulnerable settings for seven days.
Domestic Measures
A facemask mandate continues for people visiting healthcare facilities, aged care establishments, prisons, and using public transport. State officials require some companies, including indoor hospitality venues, convention centers, stadiums, and casinos, to comply with the COVID Safe Checklist. A vaccine mandate continues for those visiting medical facilities or workers in high-risk settings, such as schools, prisons, and airports.
The government requires COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine. COVID-19 cases must self-quarantine for at least seven days or until they no longer experience fever, sore throat, and cough symptoms. COVID-19 patients must also isolate themselves from household members as much as possible if undergoing home quarantine and can only leave home for emergency reasons.
Quarantine Requirements
Queensland permits entry for travelers allowed under Australia's federal border controls without quarantine. Travelers must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival until 18:00 April 28. 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. Arrivals by sea on vessels without any COVID-19 cases can deduct the time spent at sea from the quarantine period.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for the potential for additional disruptive measures.
