Planning for the safe recommencement of domestic travel
As Queensland looks forward to a bumper summer holiday period, it is important that our border reopens to southern hotspots as safely as possible.
In planning for this, there are number of important points that industry and the general public should be aware of:
- Temporary PCR testing requirement
This temporary PCR testing requirement is only in place for domestic travel from hotspots until 90% of eligible Queenslanders have received a double dose of vaccination.
Consistent with other jurisdictions around Australia, PCR tests are an important safeguard in keeping Queenslanders safe as borders reopen. Indeed it is the same test that the Commonwealth requires for travellers arriving into Australia.
Once 90% of the eligible Queensland population is fully vaccinated, domestic travellers from hotspots who are fully vaccinated will not require a PCR test.
- Proof of PCR test
The Queensland Government will continue to accept proof of a negative PCR test via text message or other digital means.
This is aimed at making travel as seamless as possible and will forgo the need for travellers to obtain formal documentation of a negative PCR test.
The Commonwealth Government also has the option subsidise this important PCR test via Medicare with the stroke of a pen.
- Mandatory vaccination requirement for key staff:
The Queensland Government recently announced a number of measures that would require all staff and patrons to be vaccinated at a range of businesses and venues.
It is important to note that, regardless of how early Queensland may hit the 80% double dose vaccination rate, these measures will commence from 17 December 2021. This provides important certainty so businesses and staff can plan accordingly.
As with every decision taken throughout the pandemic, all of these safeguards have been put in place in accordance with the Chief Health Officer’s advice.
Tourism operators and community leaders are encouraged to continue promoting vaccination so that Queensland can enjoy a bumper holiday period with a bumper 90% double dose vaccination rate.
