It’s been a long wait but Queensland has finally confirmed that it will be opening up, announcing 1am on December 13 as the magic time that their borders will reopen.
Queensland’s projected opening date was December 17, but with their 80% vaccination target set to be reached in the next couple of days, the date has been brought forward four days, allowing a tick under two weeks before Christmas rolls around.
As we’ve come to expect with COVID there are some catches. You’ll need to be fully vaccinated and while no quarantine will be required, you will need to have returned a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk added that the previous qualification for being fully vaccinated has been relaxed.
“You will no longer have to wait the two weeks after your second dose to be considered fully vaccinated.”
“The national guidelines say one week is enough.”
If you’re arriving from a “domestic hot spot”, you will also need to take a COVID test on day 5 of your stay in Queensland.
All of New South Wales and Victoria are currently considered hotspots. However, those living on the border will not be required to undergo testing.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke in support of the date being brought forward.
“The Doherty Institute scientific analysis that was done showed clearly once you get past 80%, it is a game changer.”
“We have seen that in New South Wales, in Victoria and in the ACT. These states are living confidently with the virus and that is why we can come together this Christmas because of the great work that Australians have done.”
Explore more: health.qld.gov.au
