Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a major boost for the state as its international borders are set to finally be reopened.
From 1am on Saturday, January 22nd, fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed to enter Queensland without having to quarantine.
A rapid antigen test will still be required within the first 24 hours. It’s not such good news for any unvaccinated travellers though, who will still have to undergo 14 days of quarantine.
“So if you have family or loved ones – I know a lot of people have sons and daughters overseas or parents or brothers and sisters overseas – you can come into Queensland and you will no longer have to do, if you are vaccinated, quarantine. You are free to come in,” Palaszczuk explained.
The continued increase in Queensland’s vaccination rates has meant the reopening of international borders is now possible. Over 91% of eligible Queenslanders have received at least one dose, while over 88% are double jabbed.
“We want to give some certainty to the industry and for people who are travelling,” Palaszczuk added. “This gives added certainty as well for our business community. A lot of business people have been wanting to travel overseas for various things and likewise people coming here. This gives them added certainty as well now to be able to freely opt to go overseas and come back and not have to do the 14 days.”
The Premier also made sure to express her sympathy for the people who previously had to undergo two weeks of quarantine before these new changes were introduced. “Having done the 14 days. Can I say? I think a lot of people will be very happy that they won‘t have to do it,” she conceded.
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The announcement comes with Queensland still battling COVID-19. The state recorded 19,932 new cases overnight, including 11 further COVID-related deaths. That brings the death total to 56, a significant increase in the past several weeks.
For more on this topic, follow the Travel Observer.
Watch Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s full COVID-19 update:
