Queensland reveals date it plans to reopen to Australia
Queensland is set to allow visitors from Covid hotspots in NSW and Victoria in a boost for tourism ahead of Christmas.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk outlined the Covid vaccine plan on Monday which she described as "a measured and cautious plan that will do what we want to do — to reunite families and protect Queenslanders from Delta".
The premier said Queensland is scheduled to reach 70 per cent fully vaccinated by November 19.
If that goal is reached, people from NSW and Victoria who are fully vaccinated will be able to enter the sunshine state.
"Provided you are fully vaccinated and arrived by air, and have a negative Covid test in the previous 72 hours and will have to undertake home quarantine for 14 days," she said.
Queensland is forecast to reach its 80 per cent target by December 17.
At the 80 per cent mark, visitors will be able to enter Queensland by road, and international arrivals will be permitted, as long as they are fully vaccinated and have returned a negative Covid test in the previous 72 hours prior to arrival.
The premier added the dates will be brought forward if both 70 and 80 are reached ahead of schedule.
Queensland's Covid vaccine plan for travellers
At 70 per cent vaccinated (November 19): travellers can enter from a hotspot but need to home quarantine for 14 days and need to present a negative Covid-19 test from 72 hours before. Arrivals only permitted by air. International arrivals must undergo 14 days of hotel quarantine.
At 80 per cent vaccinated (December 17): travellers can enter from a hotspot without the need for home quarantine and need to present a negative Covid-19 test from 72 hours before. Arrivals permitted by air and road. Fully vaccinated international arrivals must complete 14 days of home quarantine and have to present a negative Covid-19 test.
At 90 per cent vaccinated: No quarantine is required except for those who are not vaccinated.
It's a huge boost for families living interstate looking to enter Queensland for Christmas and for tourism operators preparing for the holidays.
"That's good news for families to be reunited for Christmas," she said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young referred to each date as a "deadline" and called for younger Queenslanders aged between 20-39 to step forward for a jab.
"You need to get vaccinated so we can return to a normal way of life," Dr Young said.
Queensland recorded no new Covid-19 cases on Monday.
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