Towns in the Scenic Rim , including Natural Bridge, have been singled out by the Queensland Premier for having low COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Annastacia Palaszczuk says residents need to get vaccinated immediately to be protected in time from the virus before the border with New South Wales reopens.
As from 5 ooçlock this afternoon more stranded Queenslanders and interstate travellers will be able to fly to the state and quarantine in a home for 14 days
It comes after Queensland surpassed the 70 percent double dose vaccination rate, now sitting at 70.25 percent. 81.99 percent have received just one dose.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says residents and travellers wanting to come into the state now will have to meet a range of criteria in order to be granted the ability to quarantine at home.
“It doesn’t have to be just a standalone home, it can be a townhouse or apartment, where you have fresh air access to your door.”
“So you don’t have common walkways or corridors that you have to pass to get to the entrance of your unit.
“You also have to be fully vaccinated, and it has to be two weeks since you had your second dose.
“You had to have received your negative test within the 72 hours prior to flying in, and you must fly in, you cannot arrive by boat at this stage.
“Your residence must be within two hours of the airport you are arriving into.
“If you can fly direct to any airport in Queensland from your interstate departure, then you can home quarantine within that two-hour radius, or, if you can transit through Brisbane on a single flight, then you can home quarantine as well.
“We have also expanded the transport you can use. So you will be able to use your own private vehicle if someone drops off your car to you as long as there is no direct contact you will be able to let use your vehicle.
“Many people who are quarantining with family members, those family members quarantining with you will be able to come and pick you up and take you to your residence.
“But I do want to make it clear, a normal taxi or Uber or rideshare is not available, and it will not meet the criteria.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says it’s important people are clear about the criteria before applying.
He also says that when people go into home quarantine, the duration of the 14 days they will be subject to ongoing compliance checking.
“And if the compliance checking that we do show that there is a problem, they can expect police to turn up at the door.
“So we are asking everyone that’s coming in under these new arrangements to make sure they understand their obligations before they come, that they properly and fully submit the application and that they comply with our directions as you come into the state and during quarantine.
“It’s important to remember that there are still breaches for failure to do this.”
