e-Blast: COVID-19 – Queensland border restrictions

There are important changes to Queensland border rules.  To slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Queensland Government is putting in place restricted entryto Queensland from 12.01am on Thursday 26 March 2020.

Below are some very important things to know.

What does ‘restricted entry’ mean?

When entry or exit from a place is only allowed by certain people.

What do the border restrictions mean to people?

• people should avoid all non-essential air, sea, road and train travel into Queensland from midnight tonight.
• until you hear more, from midnight tonight there will be new arrangements in place to make sure people follow the new rules.
• we think that anyone who tries to enter Queensland, especially by road on the Gold Coast will see big delays.
• non-essential travel to many remote communities is restricted. It is important travel to these areas is cancelled or delayed.

Does this mean a change to the supply of essential goods and services?

• no, there will be no change to the supply of essential goods and services for Queenslanders because of this.
• to help the Queensland Government get essential food, supplies and services across the border please do not trying to cross the border unless your travel is essential.

Why are these border restrictions needed?  

• the Queensland Government understand that the restrictions may be annoying, but they are needed to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

What do people who have to cross the Queensland border need to do?

• anyone who arrives into Queensland from another state or territory after midnight tonight must self-isolate for 14 days unless they are an exempt person.
• even if a person is exempt, they must self-isolate if they have travelled in the past 14 days to particular areas of Australia. Information on this will be at health.gov.qld.au.

Click here to find out more about what self-isolation means

How will the Queensland Government make sure people follow the rules?

• police and other emergency officers will make sure the rules are followed.
• if a person breaks the quarantine rules, they will have to pay up to $13,345
• if a company breaks the quarantine rules, they will have to pay up to $66,672.50.
• police will be making sure venue closures and social distancing advice is followed.

Things not to do right now….

• If you are thinking of hosting a house party, don’t. It’s not safe.
• Do not travel at all unless you really need to
• Stay home and stick to your local community when you can

Things we all need to do right now….

• everyone is asked to use social distancing. Social-distancing is really important in helping Queensland to manage the COVID-19 outbreak.

What does social distancing mean?

Social distancing is one way to help slow the spread of viruses.

Social distancing means:

• Staying at home as much as possible.
• Keeping 1.5 metres away from other people
• Avoiding shaking hands, kissing or hugging others.
• If you can, work from home.
• Avoiding gatherings that aren’t essential.

You can watch a good video about social distancing here.

The Queensland Government would like to thank everyone for sticking to the social-distancing and self-isolation guidelines so far.  It is good to see everyone taking this seriously.

It is really important that we continue to do this, so that together we slow the spread.