On Wednesday, the Queensland Government eased travel restrictions to and from the New South Wales (NSW) border, regardless of COVID-19 cases.
“This allows Queensland residents and their residents traveling to Burke Shire, Broken Hill, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and the unincorporated Far West to cross the border for more reasons. Means, “said a statement from Queensland Health. ..
This move is because at least 70-80% of most residents of the New South Wales border area municipality (LGA) are fully vaccinated with two doses.
Queensland Health states that residents who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination can invade Queensland or the border area for work, education, volunteering, long-term care, health care, or essential shopping. increase.
This move also occurs, despite several border NSWLGA records of new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Janet Young also revealed that Queensland Health modeled a reopening at 80%, saying state hospitals would be “expanded” but could handle rising demand. ..
Federal Employment Minister Stuart Robert urged the Queensland Government to set goals for reopening the border. This allows people and businesses to plan to avoid borders.
He warned that lack of clear goals made it difficult to promote vaccination in Queensland. Only 53.35% of eligible individuals were fully vaccinated, and 70.59% received a single vaccination.
“New South Wales and Victoria have very high vaccination rates due to plans. Citizens of these states know exactly what happens when a certain vaccination rate is reached. I’m sure there is, “Robert told Nine’s program today.
“That’s our wish to the Queensland Prime Minister. Please let us know. Let the Queenslanders know what will happen at 80 percent.
“Now we have a minute press conference, so let’s plan Christmas for Queenslander.”
New South Wales and Victoria are in the midst of strict COVID-19 restrictions and blockades, and the prime ministers of both states only promise “freedom” to their inhabitants after their vaccination goals have been achieved. ..
This is a different scenario than Queensland, which has not been ordered to stay at home but has closed state borders.
Meanwhile, 389 people have begun testing home quarantine in Queensland. We hope that the successful testing will allow thousands of Queensland residents currently stuck on the interstate highway to return home.
The government said that if successful, the trial would be open to other Queensland residents.
Deputy Police Secretary Steve Gorshuski said the trial, open only to those flying to Queensland, could extend to those driving the state.
“Look, there’s no doubt that this is very tight. It’s a trial. As Janet Young said, I want to see what happens,” he said.
“We are confident that people will do the right thing. If we can prove that this system works, we can see what limits we really need to set and what limits we can relax. I’m sure I can do it. “
Queensland did not record a new locally acquired case of COVID-19 and four internationally acquired infections in a hotel quarantine on Wednesday.
AAP contributed to this report.
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Caden Pearson is an Australian-based reporter with a background in screen lighting and documentary. Contact him at [email protected]