By Juliano Oliveira
Visitors entering Queensland from New Zealand or another state or Territory within Australia are now required to have an online travel declaration.
On Sunday (20), a new COVID-19 case was recorded in the community, with contact tracing underway after an international cabin crew member tested positive. Genome sequencing results have confirmed the woman, in her 30s, does not carry the Delta variant as earlier suspected.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the new requirement would help contact tracing efforts.
“It’s vital that if an interstate exposure site or hotspot is declared, our health experts can quickly contact anyone who has travelled into Queensland from that area,” she said.
“This is the next line of defence for Queensland – if we’re able to reach people quickly, it will reduce the risk of COVID-19 in Queensland and manage outbreaks right from the get-go.
“The declaration is made online and is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to complete, and operates in a similar fashion to the Victorian system.”
As a traffic light signal, Queensland will also introduce a colour system where green means no travel restrictions; amber implies interstate exposure venues; and red alerts to a hotspot.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the declaration would need to be made up to 72 hours before travelling to Queensland.
“The travel declaration needs to be made close to your travel to ensure it reflects the most up-to-date advice,” she said.
“Things can change quickly with COVID-19 – we’ve seen it time and time again, especially with the evolving situation in Victoria, so travellers will need to check the latest restrictions before travelling.”
Dr Young said a cross-border zone would be re-established so those living close to the QLD-NSW border wouldn’t need to complete multiple travel declarations.
For more information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/queensland-travel-declaration.