Qld COVID-19: Stronger borders, many more tests and ongoing assistance

Published Monday, 10 August, 2020 at 08:14 AM

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Fiday August 7, 2020

Border protections will be strengthened from Saturday August 8th to safeguard Queensland’s health, lifestyle and ongoing plan to recover from the global economic impact of COVID-19.

Meanwhile Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investment and activity continued this week on job-creating infrastructure projects, while assistance flows for small business operators.

On the health front, 2 new cases were reported from Saturday to Friday, from more than 100,000 tests. There were 12 active cases, 1069 recovered and a total of 1087 as at Friday August 7.

Ms Palaszczuk said that from 1.00am Saturday August 8th, entry to Queensland will be banned to visitors from NSW and the ACT (as well as Victoria), except for essential workers and for residents of a specific Tweed Shire border zone.

“I will not risk our state’s health, lifestyle and economic recovery by allowing COVID to spread. I will do everything I can to protect Queenslanders and the economy,” she said.

At the same time, economic activity and support has progressed, with tunnel boring machines arriving for Cross River Rail, a business case funded for the next stage of Gold Coast Light Rail, and Small Business Adaption Grants continuing to flow.

Also this week:

  • Medi-hotels will improve quarantine for those with a disability or very young children.

The Targeted Care Accommodation Program will increase medical and accommodation support to specific groups while completing their 14-day COVID-19 quarantine period.

  • Vital funding has been committed to ensure jobs at Gold Coast theme parks.

Tourism will be crucial to rebuilding the Gold Coast economy post-COVID-19, and theme parks’ doors must stay open.

CASES – by Health District – as at August 7

Active: 11  Recovered: 1069  Total: 1087  Tests: 638,011

ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK

  • NSW border to close
  • Consular exemption loophole to be scrapped
  • More COVID-19 funding for Mackay domestic violence response
  • Gold Coast Light Rail and Cross River Rail progress as recovery plan continues

HEALTH DIRECTIONS

  • Movement and Gathering and Businesses, Activities and Undertakings
  • Border restrictions and COVID-19 hotspots

covid19.qld.gov.au