16 August 2021
Queensland recorded two cases of COVID-19 today (17 August 2021), with one linked to the ‘Indooroopilly cluster’ in home quarantine during their infectious period and one overseas acquired and detected in hotel quarantine.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young thanked the community for their efforts.
“Each one of you has done a brilliant job. Please keep wearing your mask, stay socially distanced and get vaccinated if you’re able to,” Dr Young said.
Mandatory vaccinations for essential workers entering Queensland from New South Wales
To further suppress the spread of the Delta variant into Queensland, Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has advised only absolutely essential workers, who have a border exemption to enter Queensland from New South Wales, and must also have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 1am Saturday 21 August can enter Queensland or enter NSW from Queensland and then return to Queensland.
This group includes: police, health workers and construction workers who have to carry out essential construction activity.
“If it’s not absolutely essential, please I urge you not to cross the border to go into Queensland from NSW or to enter New South Wales from Queensland,” Dr Young said.
Those individuals, who commute between the border zone frequently for essential work and have not yet received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be fast tracked to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a Queensland Health vaccination facility.
Anyone who opts not to have the COVID-19 vaccine will not be allowed entry into Queensland.
Click here to find your nearest clinic to receive a vaccination.
Proof of vaccination
Queensland Health is urging essential workers, permitted to enter Queensland from the New South Wales border zone, to keep a record of their first dose COVID-19 vaccination.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said it was important for essential workers to keep a copy of their vaccination record on hand when crossing the border.
“We know the vast majority of people do the right thing, but there will be checks at the border. These restrictions are in place to ensure there is minimal movement over the border and everyone follows the right processes to keep Queenslanders and our community safe,” Dr Young said.
Proof of vaccination:
- Immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (call 1800 653 809)
- COVID-19 digital certificate (available on your Medicare account via MyGov)
- COVID-19 vaccination appointment card (provided at Queensland Health vaccination locations when you receive your first dose)
- Immunisation history statement (from your regular healthcare provider or MyGov)