24 May 2021 | 12:39 PM UTC
Australia: Queensland tightening COVID-19 quarantine requirements for travelers from Melbourne as of May 24 /update 29
Queensland, Australia, requiring recent arrivals from Melbourne to quarantine as of May 24 due to COVID-19 activity. Statewide rules remain.
Event
Queensland authorities are tightening quarantine requirements for arrivals who had visited exposure sites in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs at specific times as of May 24. Officials require anyone already in Queensland or individuals arriving before 01:00 May 26 who visited the sites to quarantine at home or another accommodation until 14 days have passed since they visited the venue. Individuals must also complete the Queensland Health online contract tracing self-assessment form and receive a COVID-19 test. From 01:00 May 26, arrivals who had visited exposure sites within 14 days must quarantine for 14 days at a government-arranged facility. Queensland officials could add more exposure sites or further tighten border restrictions in the coming days.
Local Restrictions
Some state-level business and gathering controls remain in place in Queensland. Gatherings in homes are limited to no more than 100 people. Officials encourage residents to wear facemasks in areas where physical distancing is difficult. The government allows nonessential businesses to operate at one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Most businesses, including bars and nightclubs, may operate provided they have a government-approved COVID Safe plan. Indoor events of up to 500 people can occur with a COVID Safe Event Checklist, while larger events require a COVID Safe Plan. Retail food services and entertainment venues may open indoor and outdoor spaces for standing and seated patrons. Officials require restricted businesses to collect contact information. Hospitality businesses must collect and store customers' contact information electronically and use the Check In Qld mobile application; failure to comply may result in a fine.
Quarantine Requirements
Most international travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Arrivals from New Zealand are exempt from quarantine. Queensland charges all arriving travelers for quarantine; fees are payable at the end of the traveler's stay. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,162) for the first adult, AUD 3,710 (USD 2,864) for two adults, and AUD 4,620 (USD 3,567) for two adults and two children. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test before release. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays if authorities announce hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
Resources
Queensland COVID-19 Information
Queensland Quarantine Information
