Interstate travellers travelling to Queensland will be able to use a rapid antigen test instead of a PCR test from January 1, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced.
The premier has announced that a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) would satisfy border requirements to enter the state.
“A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test will no longer be required. More details in our morning media conference,” the Premier wrote on Twitter.
The decision comes after days of wrangling with other states, as New South Wales leaders blamed the long delays in COVID testing queues and results on the sheer amount of holiday travellers looking to visit Queensland.
The Queensland Premier had previously stated that the PCR test requirement was looking to be eased in the new year.
More details will be released at a press conference later this morning.
Interstate travellers were previously required to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entering the state.
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Once the state hits 90 per cent double dose vaccination, there will be no restrictions or requirements if one wishes to travel into Queensland.
Currently the percentage of people double dosed in Queensland is 86.14 per cent, with 90.49 per cent of people in the state with one dose of the vaccination.
Yesterday, the state also decided to get rid of the requirement for visitors and returning citizens to receive a negative PCR test on day five after crossing the state border, after recording more than 1,000 daily cases for the first time during this pandemic.
For more on this topic and for any updates following Australian borders over the summer, follow the Travel Observer.
