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Queensland will reopen its state borders to interstate hotspots on 1am Monday, 13 December, the Premier has confirmed today.
The announcement comes as the state nears its 80 per cent vaccination target, which was initially expected to be achieved on 17 December.
The changes will allow double-dosed travellers from domestic hotspots to enter Queensland via road or air.
Fully vaccinated travellers won't be required to quarantine, although they must test negative within 72 hours of entering Queensland if travelling from a hotspot.
Arrivals from hotspots must also have a COVID-19 test five days after entering Queensland.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said although the 80 per cent vaccination target will be reached sometime this week, ahead of 13 December, the government has chosen a time and date to provide certainty.
“Queensland’s Plan to reunite families had nominated December 17 as the target to reopen,” she said.
“It is clear we will reach our target of 80 per cent fully vaccinated much sooner although exactly when is difficult to predict.
“Nominating a time and date provides travellers and business with certainty to make their plans and comes four days early.”
Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Peter Aitken said Queenslanders need to think about living with COVID.
“As we open up, even with an 80 per cent double vaccination rate, it means we are far better off than many other countries,” he said.
“But we will have cases, that's inevitable, and we have to be ready for that.
“It’s likely we will need to think about wearing masks again, it’s likely people will need to be quarantined.
“It's likely that some of our family members and relatives will get sick.
“Vaccination stops people getting really sick – it doesn't stop people getting COVID.”
At least 76 per cent of eligible Cairns residents are fully vaccinated, according to the latest LGA data.
The Douglas Shire has recorded 75.2 per cent, while the Cassowary Coast is at 71 per cent, Mareeba 63 per cent, and Yarrabah 43.5 per cent.
The mandate on who can enter venues remains unchanged. It takes effect on December 17.
Queensland has recorded three new cases today – two interstate and one international arrival, all in hotel quarantine.
Main points
- Queensland will reopen state borders to interstate hotspots a few days earlier than planned
- From 1am Monday, 13 December, fully vaccinated domestic travellers that test negative can enter without quarantining
- The mandate on unvaccinated patrons in pubs, restaurants and other venues will still come into effect on 17 December
