Queensland planning to reopen border to NSW visitors next month under new coronavirus roadmap

Queensland is aiming to reopen its border to NSW visitors from 1 November.

The state government’s COVID Safe Plan, which lays out its roadmap until the end of 2020, was released on Friday.

The border has been closed to most of NSW since August 8 with only residents of frontier regions or people given medical exemptions allowed to cross.

Under the roadmap, NSW visitors with a valid pass won’t have to undergo mandatory quarantine on arrival, provided there is no community transmission of the virus in the previous 28 days.

“We said very clearly that the end of the month we review the plans, and that would mean, there may be a possibility of opening up to New South Wales if there is no community transmission,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Friday.

Queensland will consider opening up to Victorian travellers until after that state has completely eased lockdown.

In the immediate future, the Sunshine State will allow people to stand at cafes, bars and restaurants to eat or drink from 4pm on Friday.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the restrictions on seating have been tough on the hospitality sector, but “happy hour” was back.

“It has been hard on our hospitality workers and this will make their jobs a lot easier and will also make going out a lot more fun,” he said.

Under the new roadmap, the state government will also allow up to 40 people to dance at weddings from 1 November.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said trialling dancing at weddings is safer because guests are often family or have regular close interaction with each other.

She still encouraged people not to get too carried away on the dancefloor.

“If someone is standing up and wiggling their hips that’s fine,” Dr Young said.

Queensland recorded two new COVID-19 cases in ship crew members who had flown into Brisbane airport before boarding their ships.

Dr Young said the two people were later transferred to hospitals onshore with authorities contract-tracing anyone who may have come into contact with them.

“Their (shipping company) protocols are very rigid and they were followed so we think the risk is very low, but of course we’re working that through,” Dr Young said.

Looking further ahead, the state government is aiming to allow people to gather in groups of up to 50 people in homes and public spaces from 1 December.

From that date, the maximum amount of people allowed at events with a COVID safe checklist will rise from 500 to 1,500.

Unlimited numbers of people will also be allowed to dance at weddings with COVID safe plans.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. 

SBS