Visitors to get tested or face fine

Queensland will introduce tough new requirements for interstate travellers who develop COVID-19 symptoms while in Queensland, forcing them to be tested or face a $4004 fine.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said anyone entering Queensland would have to make a binding declaration to get tested when they apply online for their border pass.

“The Border Declaration will require anyone who comes in to Queensland to sign off on their requirement to be tested if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms,” he said.

Mr Miles said the requirement would also apply to Queenslanders returning to Queensland.

“Since this pandemic began, we have continuously urged Queenslanders to get tested at the slightest hint of a symptom and they have responded.

“So it makes sense for people coming from interstate or who have travelled interstate to show the same commitment to keeping Queensland safe from COVID-19.”

Mr Miles said Queensland Health would text travellers to remind them of their obligation and ask if they have developed symptoms.

“And to assist travellers to meet their obligations mobile testing clinics will be deployed to the most popular tourist destinations.

“We will assess the border pass applications and make sure that areas with high visitor numbers get extra support – places like the Gold Coast and Cairns.

“We will also be texting all border pass holders to remind them.”

The extra measures will be rolled out with a new border direction by the Chief Health Officer that will prohibit people coming to Queensland from Victoria.

Under the new direction Queensland will turn away people who have visited Victoria in the past 14 days.

This applies to everyone, except people needed in Queensland for essential purposes, from midday Friday 10 July 2020. Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home but will be required to quarantine in a hotel at their expense.

Currently, every local government area in Victoria is a declared hotspot.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reminded all Queenslanders of the importance of immediately getting tested if they develop any symptoms.

“Testing is the best way of protecting yourself, your family and the community,” she said.

From 10 July, anyone who has not been to Victoria in the previous 14 days will be allowed to enter Queensland subject to completion of a Border Declaration.

A $4004 fine or a court-imposed penalty will apply to anyone who provides false or misleading information in their Border Declaration.

Queensland’s COVID-19 tally is 1,068, with just two active cases. For more information, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903