Queensland makes huge change to border openings ahead of Christmas
Queensland has announced it will reopen borders earlier than expected as the state nears its 80 per cent vaccination milestone.
The announcement was made by state premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Monday, saying the government understood how important it was for people to be reunited with their families for Christmas.
The borders will reopen from 1am (Queensland time) Monday December 13.
"This is going to be a very, very special time of the year," Ms Palaszczuk said on Monday.
"I know people have said to me personally, some of them haven't seen their grandkids for the first time."
The reopening of the borders was previously foreshadowed, with the premier saying it would reopen when Queensland hit the 80 per cent double-dose target.
Ms Palaszczuk said she does not know when the state will reach 80 per cent double dose, though it is expected to be sometime in the next week.
Domestic arrivals will be able to forgo quarantine once they arrive in Queensland, so long as they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Fully vaccinated arrivals will still need to provide a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to entering Queensland and can come to the state either by road or air.
People who are not fully vaccinated will have to quarantine for 14 days and can only enter the state by plane.
All domestic arrivals will have to get a Covid test five days after entering the state, regardless of their vaccination status.
Time 'running out' for the unvaccinated
The premier said time is running out for those who have not yet been vaccinated, and urged them to speak to medical professionals about the jab.
"If you're out there and you have not been vaccinated, time is running out," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"As we know this is the pandemic of the unvaccinated and you know, if you've got a family or friend out there, please urge them to go and talk to their local GP.
"I understand people have some concerns. So go and sit down with either a friend who has been vaccinated or your local GP or a nurse."
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