Border restrictions Direction (No. 15)

Summary

Effective from:

Date Sections in effect
1.15pm 24 September 2020 Only the introductory words to paragraph 11 are in effect.
1am 1 October 2020 All sections of this Direction are in effect.

Posted: 24 September 2020

Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency

Public Health Act 2005 (Qld)

Section 362B

On 29 January 2020, under the Public Health Act 2005, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services made an order declaring a public health emergency in relation to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The public health emergency area specified in the order is for ‘all of Queensland’. Its duration has been extended by regulation to 2 October 2020 and may be further extended.

Further to this declaration, l, Dr Jeannette Young, Chief Health Officer, reasonably believe it is necessary to give the following direction pursuant to the powers under s 362B of the Public Health Act 2005 to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

Guidance

For the purpose of this Direction, all people entering Queensland should practise physical distancing and risk mitigation measures such as remaining 1.5 metres away from other persons and regular washing of hands.

Preamble

  1. This Public Health Direction replaces the Public Health Direction referred to as the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 14) given on 22 September 2020.

Citation

  1. This Public Health Direction may be referred to as the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 15).

Revocation

  1. The Border Restrictions Direction (No. 14) given on 22 September 2020 is revoked from 1.00am on 1 October 2020 except for the directions in the introductory words to paragraph 11 of Border Restrictions Direction (No. 14), which are revoked on publication of this Direction.

    Note: a person may enter Queensland from a place that is no longer a declared COVID-19 hotspot, even if the place was previously declared a COVID-19 hotspot during the 14 days before the person is entering Queensland.

Commencement

  1. This Direction commences from 1.00am on 1 October 2020 except for the introductory words in paragraph 11 which commence on publication.

  2. This Direction applies to all persons who arrive in Queensland from a place outside of Queensland.

PART 1 – ENTRY DECLARATION

  1. Every person entering or proposing to enter Queensland from another Australian State or Territory must:

    1. provide a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass; and

    2. provide an undertaking that the person will present for a COVID-19 test if the person develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of entering Queensland; and

    3. comply with the undertaking while present in Queensland.

  2. A person provides a Queensland Border Declaration Pass by providing in a written or electronic declaration to the best of their knowledge, true and correct information about the following:

    1. in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland, whether the person has:

      1. been overseas; or

      2. if a non-border zone resident, been in a COVID-19 hotspot; or

      3. had known contact with a person who is a confirmed case of COVID-19; or

      4. had symptoms consistent with COVID-19; or

      5. if a border zone resident, been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone; and

    2. whether the person is a confirmed case of COVID-19 or cleared case of COVID-19, in which case the person will not be permitted to enter Queensland without an exemption from the Chief Health Officer; and

    3. the person’s name, date of birth, phone number, address and email address; and

    4. if requested, for an adult, provide satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity, for example, a driver’s licence or Medicare card; and

    5. if requested, if the person is a border zone resident, provide evidence that the person resides in the border zone and that person complies with Part 2A; and

    6. any other information required by an emergency officer (public health).

  3. A Queensland Border Declaration Pass is valid for the purpose of entering Queensland for the shorter of the following periods:

    1. 7 days from the day the declaration is made; or

    2. if any of the person’s circumstances in paragraph 7 have changed.

  4. Despite paragraph 7, the following persons are not required to provide the Queensland Border Declaration Pass or undertaking:

    1. a person responding to an emergency in Queensland performing an essential activity related to national and state security, police, health or emergency services; and

    2. a passenger of an ambulance or aeromedical service; and

    3. maritime crew who are not required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass under the Protocol for Maritime Crew approved by the Chief Health Officer; and

    4. a person remanded in custody of a State, Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement agency, subject to an extradition order or otherwise, who is required to enter Queensland to comply with a court order or assist with or participate in an investigation or other action at the direction of the law enforcement agency.

  5. A person who has not provided a Queensland Border Declaration Pass or undertaking as required by this Direction must not enter Queensland.

PART 2 – RESTRICTIONS ON PEOPLE ENTERING FROM COVID-19 HOTSPOT

Introductory words to paragraph 11 are in effect from 1.15pm 24 September 2020. The rest of the direction is not yet in effect.
See Border Restrictions Direction No.14 for all other restrictions.
  1. A person who, in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland has been in a place which at the time of entry to Queensland is a COVID-19 hotspot, must not enter Queensland unless:

    1. the person is a Queensland resident, the person is moving to Queensland as a new resident or the person is a border zone resident; or

      Note: a border zone resident is not permitted to enter Queensland if they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside of the border zone.

    2. to comply with an order to attend a Court or Tribunal or to give effect to orders of a Court or Tribunal; or

    3. to fulfil an obligation relating to shared parenting or child contact; or

    4. to assist with or participate in a State, Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement investigation or other action at the request or direction of a State, Territory or Commonwealth department or law enforcement agency; or

    5. to perform an essential activity in Schedule 1; or

    6. the person arrives by air to an airport in Queensland and:

      1. transfers directly to another flight to leave Queensland without leaving the confines of the airport; or

      2. quarantines until the time of their flight to leave Queensland; or

      3. if the person arrives to Coolangatta airport from an approved airport, transits directly by road to leave Queensland without leaving the vehicle; or

    7. the person arrived by air to a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport in the COVID-19 hotspot and did not leave the confines of the airport; or

    8. the person is a student at a higher education institution or boarding school and is entering Queensland for the purposes of receiving instruction, including a parent or guardian accompanying a student who is a minor; or

    9. the person is entering Queensland to obtain essential health care, or as a support person to a person obtaining essential health care and provides written evidence from the health care provider of the time and place in Queensland that the health care is to be provided; or

      Example – a parent bringing a child for treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital will need to provide evidence of the appointment such as a letter from the hospital.

    10. the person is entering Queensland as a passenger of an ambulance or aeromedical service.

  2. Despite paragraph 11, an unaccompanied minor is not permitted to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot, unless the minor:

    1. is a New South Wales border zone resident entering in compliance with Part 2A; or

    2. is a Queensland resident re-entering from the New South Wales border zone for the purpose of shared parenting or child contact under paragraph 11(c) who has not travelled in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone within the 14 days prior to entering Queensland; or

    3. has completed a minimum 14 days of government mandated quarantine in another State or Territory immediately prior to entering Queensland and can satisfy the requirements in Schedule 2, paragraph 4.

  3. A person permitted to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot:

    1. under paragraph 11(e) to perform an essential activity must comply with the requirements in Schedule 1 and requirements for quarantine and evidence in Part 3 and Schedule 2; or

    2. as a border zone resident must comply with the requirements for quarantine and evidence in Part 2A and Schedule 2; and

    3. under another ground in paragraph 11 must comply with the requirements for quarantine and evidence in Part 3 and Schedule 2.

  4. A person permitted to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot is only permitted to enter Queensland by air unless stated otherwise in column 5 of Schedule 2.

PART 2A – BORDER ZONE

  1. The border zone is the geographical area comprising the border communities within New South Wales within the postcodes listed in Schedule 3 and represented visually on the Public Health Direction (COVID-19 Border Restrictions) Map approved by the Chief Health Officer and published on the Queensland Health website.

    Note: a copy of the map is available at

  2. A border zone resident:

    1. is permitted to enter and remain in Queensland for any reason; and

    2. must not enter Queensland if the resident had travelled in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone within the 14 days prior to entering Queensland, unless permitted to enter under a ground in paragraph 11.

  3. A Queensland resident is:

    1. permitted to enter and remain in the border zone for any reason; and

    2. must quarantine upon re-entering Queensland in accordance with the requirements in Part 3 and Schedule 2 if the resident enters a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone.

PART 3 —QUARANTINE

  1. Any person who has not been to a COVID-19 hotspot in the preceding 14 days and is not a confirmed case of COVID-19 and not a cleared case of COVID-19 may enter Queensland.

  2. A person who is a confirmed case of COVID-19 or a cleared case of COVID-19 may not enter Queensland without an exemption from the Chief Health Officer.

  3. A person who enters Queensland must quarantine if in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland:

    1. the person has been overseas; or

    2. the person has had known contact with a person who is a confirmed case of COVID-19; or

    3. the person has been in a COVID-19 hotspot and is permitted to enter under Part 2; or

    4. the person has been a cleared case of COVID-19 who has been given an exemption to enter Queensland by the Chief Health Officer under paragraph 22; or

    5. the person has had symptoms consistent with COVID-19; or

    6. the person is a border zone resident who traveled in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone.

  4. A person who is required to quarantine under this direction:

    1. must comply with the requirements for quarantine, if any, in Schedule 2; and

    2. will be quarantined for a further period of 10 days from the end of the quarantine period in Schedule 2 if the person is not tested for COVID-19 when requested to do so by an emergency officer (public health); and

    3. Chapter 8, Part 7AA of the Public Health Act 2005 applies to a person required to quarantine under this Direction.

Part 4 – OTHER MATTERS

  1. The Chief Health Officer, the Deputy Chief Health Officer or their delegate may give a person or class of persons an exemption:

    1. to enter Queensland if the Chief Health Officer considers the person is essential for the proper functioning of the State and the person must be physically present in Queensland; or

    2. from a requirement in this Direction if other extreme exceptional circumstances exist.

  2. An emergency officer (public health) can require any person to quarantine if the emergency officer believes the direction is reasonably necessary to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

  3. Only the Chief Health Officer, the Deputy Chief Health Officer or their delegate can exempt a person from entering quarantine as required under this Direction.

  4. An exemption under paragraphs 22 or 24 may be subject to any conditions the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Chief Health Officer or their delegate considers appropriate. A person given an exemption subject to conditions must comply with those conditions.

  5. An emergency officer (public health) may direct a person to enter by road if the emergency officer believes it is reasonably necessary to respond to an emergency or serious situation.

Part 5 - DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Public Health Direction:

  1. Air crew means air crew on active duty including airline general aviation crew and off-shift crew who are travelling as passengers on an aircraft to reposition at another location to immediately commence duty.

  2. Approved airport means any airport within Australia.

  3. Border zone see paragraph 15.

    Note: a copy of the map is available at

  4. Border zone resident means a person who usually resides in the border zone.

  5. Cleared case of COVID-19 means a person who was a confirmed case of COVID-19 and has, in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland, been given a letter or other written evidence from a doctor or health authority of the jurisdiction where they were diagnosed that they are cleared of COVID-19.

  6. Confirmed case of COVID-19 means a person who has been clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 who is not a cleared case.

  7. Contact tracing officer means a person appointed as a contact tracing officer under the Public Health Act 2005.

  8. COVID-19 hotspot means a particular area of Australia decided by the Chief Health Officer and published on the Queensland Health website (https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/hotspots-covid-19).

  9. COVID-19 related duties means a person was on duty in the COVID-19 hotspot in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency performing duties such as supervising quarantine, giving quarantine directions or transporting confirmed cases or cleared cases but does not include office-based or remote work such as working in an emergency or disaster coordination centre.

  10. Emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications event means a time critical situation that if not urgently attended to could affect Queensland’s continued network services supply and security.

  11. Emergency officer (public health) means an emergency officer appointed under the Public Health Act 2005.

    Note: Emergency officers appointed under the Public Health Act 2005 include public health officers and police.

  12. Essential activity means an activity in the table in Schedule 1.

  13. Essential health care means health care that cannot reasonably be obtained in a person’s State or Territory of residence, or routine clinical care where there is a continuity of service with an established clinical relationship, that is:

    1. a Queensland Children’s Hospital appointment, confirmed in writing by the hospital; or

    2. an appointment at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service or associated outreach location, confirmed in writing by the service; or

    3. an appointment at a Queensland private health facility or an ancillary clinic or service, confirmed in writing by the service; or

    4. an appointment at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service, confirmed in writing by the service; or

    5. an appointment with a prescribed health practitioner at another premises, confirmed in writing by the practitioner or provider on a form approved by the Chief Health Officer for use as a confirmation of an essential health care appointment https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0022/1000498/essential-health-care-form-qld-border.docx.

      Note: An appointment with a prescribed health practitioner may include services provided by a registered NDIS provider under an agreed NDIS Plan. An appointment at an ancillary clinic or service may include an appointment at a rehabilitation service.

  14. Government nominated -accommodation means a hotel or other accommodation premises at which the person is directed to quarantine at their own expense in accordance with Chapter 8, Part 7AA of the Public Health Act 2005.

  15. Maritime crew includes anyone required to be part of a crew operating or providing services to support the operation of a vessel, including supernumeraries.

  16. New resident means a person who is moving to Queensland to make it their principal place of residence and who can provide written evidence that they are relocating to Queensland if required by an emergency officer (public health) and evidence of where they will be residing upon completion of their mandatory quarantine.

  17. Nominated premises means:

    1. government nominated accommodation as directed by an emergency officer (public health); or

    2. for air crew, the air crew accommodation provided by the person’s employer or the air crew’s residence; or

    3. another premises as directed by an emergency officer (public health).

      Note: For example, a person may be directed by an emergency officer (public health) to quarantine at government-nominated accommodation such as a hotel at their own expense in accordance with section 362MC of the Public Health Act 2005. 

  18. Quarantine means in accordance with Schedule 2.

  19. Quarantine Management Plan means a plan in the form approved by the Chief Health Officer.

  20. Queensland Border Declaration Pass see paragraph 7.

  21. Queensland private health facility means a facility licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act 1999.

  22. Queensland resident is a person whose primary place of residence is in Queensland.

  23. Prescribed health practitioner means:

    1. a person registered to provide the following services:

      1. dental (including the profession of a dentist, dental therapist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist and oral health therapist);

      2. medical;

      3. medical radiation practice;

      4. midwifery;

      5. nursing;

      6. occupational therapy;

      7. optometry;

      8. paramedicine;

      9. pharmacy;

      10. physiotherapy;

      11. podiatry;

      12. psychology;

      13. services as a registered NDIS provider under an agreed NDIS plan.

  24. Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 means fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) or loss of smell or loss of taste.

  25. Unaccompanied minor is a child who is not in the presence of a responsible adult.

  26. Vessel means a commercial vessel, research vessel or government vessel that is in Australian waters and is 50 metres or more in length. It does not apply to cruise vessels, private vessels, super yachts or recreational vessels.

PART 6 - PENALTIES

A person to whom the direction applies commits an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the direction.

Section 362D of the Public Health Act 2005 provides:

Failure to comply with public health directions

  • A person to whom a public health direction applies must comply with the direction unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
  • Maximum penalty—100 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.

Dr Jeannette Young
Chief Health Officer

24 September 2020

Published on the Queensland Health website at 1.15pm

Schedule 1 – Essential activity

  1. A person entering Queensland for an essential activity, must:

    1. keep and retain written records of close contacts for a 14-day period commencing on their date of arrival in Queensland, or, if they remain in Queensland for a period of less than 14 days, for that period; and

    2. provide the records to an emergency officer (public health) if directed by an emergency officer (public health) or to a contact tracing officer; and

    3. minimise contact with the community for a period of 14 days; and

    4. to the extent reasonably practicable, practise physical distancing including by remaining at least 1.5 metres from other people; and

    5. if the person is not a Queensland resident, only remain in Queensland for the time necessary to carry out the activity; and

    6. comply with any relevant requirements under other Public Health Directions; and

    7. comply with any protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer that relates to the essential activity to be performed.

      Example: Protocol for maritime crew members entering or departing Queensland; Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland.

  2. For the purpose of paragraph 1:

    1. a person is a close contact of another person if they are in the company of the other person:

      1. within an enclosed space for a period of 2 hours or longer; or

      2. within 1.5 metres of the other person for a period of 15 minutes or longer; and

    2. the records that are required to be kept are:

      1. the name and phone number and email address of the close contact and the day, time and location at which the close contact occurred; or

      2. if the name and phone number or email address are not known or it is not reasonably practicable to obtain them, the day, time and location at which the close contact occurred.

  3. A person who is a Queensland resident who arrives in Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot after departing Queensland for a purpose unrelated to their work or duties, such as a departure for personal or recreational purposes:

    1. will not be permitted to enter Queensland on the basis they are performing an essential activity; and

    2. will be treated as a Queensland resident under Part 2, paragraph 11(a) and subject to those quarantine requirements in Schedule 2.

      Note: a Queensland resident who may usually perform an essential activity while in Queensland but if they departed Queensland to a COVID-19 hotspot for personal reasons, they will be required to quarantine when returning to Queensland in the same way as other returning Queensland residents and will not be permitted to leave quarantine to perform their essential activity while in quarantine.

  4. A person who is a Queensland resident who arrives in Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot after departing Queensland for work purposes, and their only work location is in the COVID-19 hotspot:

    1. will not be permitted to enter Queensland on the basis they are performing an essential activity; and

    2. will be treated as a Queensland resident under Part 2, paragraph 11(a) and subject to the quarantine requirements in Schedule 2.

  5. A person performing an essential activity will be required to quarantine in accordance with the requirements in Schedule 2, if any.

  6. Subject to paragraphs 3 and 4, a person in the table below is performing an essential activity:

  1. National defence, state security and police

    1. Any Government official who, in carrying out their duties, is responsible for the safety of Australia or Queensland against threats such as terrorism, war or espionage, and is required to be physically present in Queensland for such purposes.

    2. Active military personnel required to be on duty while in Queensland.

    3. An active member of the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force or State, Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement agency required to be on duty while in Queensland.

    4. A Federal, State, Territory or local government elected representative who is travelling to Queensland to perform official duties in Queensland.

    5. Consular officers or consular employees of a consular post of an overseas country as defined in the Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1972 (Cth) travelling to Queensland to perform official duties in Queensland.

      Note: Consular officials and consular employees are granted immunity from jurisdiction in certain circumstances under the Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1972 (Cth).

  1. Health services and emergency services

    1. A Queensland Ambulance Service employee, a New South Wales Ambulance employee, a paramedic, an officer of St John Ambulance Australia, or aeromedical services crew who is providing patient transport or emergency medical care to a patient such as RACQ Lifeflight crew, Royal Flying Doctor Service crew, or CareFlight.

    2. A person who, in carrying out their duties, is responsible for the retrieval, delivery or transportation of organs or tissue for medical transplantation.

    3. A person who, in carrying out their duties, is responsible for providing critical health support services for the critical maintenance, resupply or repair of health services infrastructure critical to Queensland. This includes Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

    4. A person required to provide fire or emergency services in Queensland including rural fire service, state emergency services and firefighters.

  1. Freight and logistics operators

    1. Any of the following persons, excluding air crew and maritime crew, entering Queensland in the course of their employment as:

      1. Heavy vehicle drivers; or

      2. Rail crew and rail drivers; or

      3. Passenger transport operations, excluding rideshares; or

        Note: Each passenger as well as the driver must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass

      4. Non-heavy vehicle commercial freight operators; or

      5. Logistics and support workers; or

        Example – a specialist mechanic, aircraft or rail engineer providing mechanical or engineering support for the transport of commercial freight is providing an essential activity. Activities that can be performed remotely such as a person providing administrative support or a manager attending a meeting are not essential activities.

      6. Any other persons essential to the delivery of freight.

        Example – essential persons may include, but are not limited to, two-up drivers, a pilot or escort for an oversized or over mass vehicle, or tow truck driver for heavy vehicle salvage.

    2. A person mentioned in paragraphs 1(a) to (f) must be:

      1. transporting freight to, from or through Queensland under a commercial freight operation and any other person in the vehicle who is essential for the delivery of the freight; or

      2. transporting passengers by road or rail to, from or through Queensland under a commercial passenger operation or public transport operation; or

      3. providing logistics and support for the transport which requires the person to be physically present in Queensland to provide the logistics or support.

  1. Emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications event

    1. A person required to respond to an emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications event and provide emergency services to Queensland’s:

      1. energy generation, transmission or distribution networks; or

      2. drinking water supply, or sewerage services; or

      3. liquid fuel supply; or

      4. resources sector; or

      5. telecommunications, data services, broadcast or communications infrastructure.

        Example – the critical maintenance, overhaul, resupply or repair of energy service infrastructure critical to Queensland and the services cannot practicably be obtained in Queensland due to the nature of the emergency.

  1. Specialist or essential worker

    1. A person who is endorsed as a specialist or essential worker by a relevant Queensland Government Agency or Queensland Health where there is not a relevant Queensland Government Agency for a person or industry and:

      1. the services are needed in Queensland; and

      2. the services provided by the person cannot be obtained in Queensland; and

      3. the services must be provided without delay; and

      4. the person must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service; and

        Example – continuity of electricity and power, telecommunications, data, critical infrastructure, water supply, utilities, sewerage, sanitation and waste and recycling management, petroleum, gas mining and resource operations, critical agricultural operations necessary to maintain food supply, health, construction, emergency services.

      5. the person’s employer or business has a quarantine management plan to manage preventing the transmission of COVID-19 amongst its employees and the community, and the plan is in the form approved by the Chief Health Officer; and

      6. the person provides evidence of the following documents upon arrival in Queensland and carries the documents at all times while in Queensland:

        1. endorsement as a specialist or essential worker;

        2. quarantine management plan; and

      7. the person complies with any conditions forming part of their endorsement as a specialist or essential worker and the requirements in their quarantine management plan.

  1. Air crew and maritime crew

A person who is a member of an air crew or maritime crew who is entering Queensland in the course of their duties.

Note: Cruise ships are subject to the Restricting cruise ships from entering Queensland waters Direction (No. 2) or its successor and to the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020 (Cth).

Note: Maritime vessels are subject to any General Manager Maritime Safety Queensland Directions issued under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 which may impose time-based arrival restrictions.

Schedule 2 – Queensland Border Declaration Pass and Requirements for Quarantine and mode of entry

ItemColumn 1Column 2Column 3Column 4Column 5
 Person entering QueenslandQueensland Border Declaration PassEntry and evidence requirementsQuarantine requirements

Mode of entry

See paragraph 14

  1.  

A person entering Queensland from overseas.

See Part 3, paragraph 20(a)

Not required

Note: the person must comply with any declaration requirements for overseas arrivals

Not applicable Self-Quarantine for Persons Arriving in Queensland from overseas Direction (No. 5) or its successor. Not applicable
  1.  

A person who has had contact in the last 14 days with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

See Part 3, paragraph 20(b)

Required   Global quarantine requirements Not applicable
  1.  

A person entering Queensland who has had symptoms consistent with of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

See Part 3, paragraph 20(e)

Required   Global quarantine requirements unless a person can provide written evidence of a negative test while symptomatic. Not applicable

A person listed below who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days - see Part 2

Item

Column 1Column 2Column 3Column 4Column 5
 Person entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspotQueensland Border Declaration PassEntry and evidence requirementsQuarantine requirements

Mode of entry

See paragraph 14

Residents, new residents and border zone residents
  1.  

Queensland resident.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(a)

Required Evidence the person resides in Queensland. Global quarantine requirements Must enter by air.
  1.  

Queensland resident re-entering Queensland after travelling in the border zone

See Part 2, paragraph 11(a)

Required Evidence the person resides in Queensland and, if requested, evidence the person has only travelled within the border zone. None, unless the person has travelled in the COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone, in which case the person must comply with global quarantine requirements. May enter by road, rail or sea only if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone in the last 14 days. Otherwise, must enter by air.
  1.  
New resident.
See Part 2, paragraph 11(a)
Required Evidence of where the person will reside in Queensland after they leave quarantine. Global quarantine requirements. Must enter by air.
  1.  

Border zone resident.

See Part 2A

Required Evidence that the person resides in the border zone and, if requested, evidence the person has only travelled within the border zone. None, unless the person has travelled in the COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone, in which case the person must not enter Queensland. May enter by road, rail or sea only if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone in the last 14 days.
Essential Activity - National defence, state security and police under Schedule 1
  1.  
A Government official who, in carrying out their duties in Queensland, is responsible for the safety of Australia or Queensland against threats such as terrorism, war or espionage. Required Relevant government issued identification. None May enter by road, rail, sea or air from an approved airport.
  1.  
Active military personnel on duty in Queensland. Required Relevant government issued identification. Quarantine at military base or military property. A person cannot quarantine at a private residence. May enter by road, rail, sea or air.
  1.  
An active member of the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force or State or Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement agency on active duty in Queensland. Required Relevant government issued identification.

A person who has been on COVID-19 related duties in the COVID-19 hotspot must quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements.

Any other officer must remain isolated, to the extent reasonably practicable, from the general public until the person departs Queensland or for 14 days, whichever period is shorter.

May enter by road, rail, sea or air from an approved airport.
  1.  
A Federal, State, Territory or local government elected representative. Required Relevant government issued identification. Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements unless the person is a Queensland resident. A Queensland resident will be able to complete quarantine in their home residence. Must enter by air.
  1.  
Consular employees or consular officials of a consular post of an overseas country. Required A Consular Official or Diplomat passport of a foreign country Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements with consent. May enter by road, rail, sea or air.
Essential activity - Health services and emergency services under Schedule 1
  1.  
A Queensland Ambulance Service employee, a New South Wales Ambulance employee, a paramedic, an officer of St John Ambulance Australia, or aeromedical services crew who is providing emergency medical care or transport to a patient such as RACQ Lifeflight crew, Royal Flying Doctor Service crew, or CareFlight. Required Government or employer issued identification or an official letter from an employer confirming employment. None May enter by road, sea or air from an approved airport.
  1.  
A person responsible for the retrieval, delivery or transportation of organs or tissue for medical transplantation. Required Government or employer issued identification or an official letter from an employer confirming employment. None May enter by road, sea or air from an approved airport.
  1.  
A person responsible for providing critical health support services for the critical maintenance, resupply or repair of health services infrastructure critical to Queensland. Required

Government or employer issued identification or an official letter from an employer confirming employment.

A letter from an appropriate officer of Queensland Health confirming the person is required in Queensland.

None May enter by road, sea or air from an approved airport.
  1.  
A person required to provide fire or emergency services in Queensland. Required Government or employer issued identification or an official letter from an employer confirming employment or volunteer status. None May enter by road, sea or air from an approved airport.
Essential activity - Transport of freight and logistics under Schedule 1
  1.  

Person performing an essential activity of transporting freight or logistics.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(e)

Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer. Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer. Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer.

May enter by road, rail, sea or air.

Queensland residents may enter by road, rail, sea or air from an approved airport.

Essential activity - Emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications event under Schedule 1
  1.  

Person providing emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications infrastructure or supply services in an emergency event.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(e)

Required Evidence including the name of their employer, statement from their employer confirming the emergency event, a letter of endorsement from the relevant Queensland Government agency confirming the emergency event and that the service is critical to the continuation of supply and security of energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications infrastructure or supply services, and the location of their worksite. The person must travel directly to their work site and remain isolated from the general public and other workers to the extent reasonably practicable until the person departs Queensland or for 14 days, whichever period is shorter. May enter by road, rail or air.
Essential activity - Specialist or essential worker under Schedule 1
  1.  
A specialist or essential worker. Required Evidence of endorsement as a specialist or essential worker by a relevant Queensland Government agency and information as specified in Schedule 1. Must quarantine as required by the quarantine management plan of the relevant employer or business. May enter by road, rail, sea or air.
Air and maritime crew
  1.  

Person performing an essential activity who is air crew.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(e)

Required   Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements unless a class exemption applies. Must enter by air
  1.  

Person performing an essential activity who is maritime crew.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(e)

Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer. Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer. Must comply with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer. Must enter in accordance with the protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer.
Other reasons to enter Queensland under Part 2, paragraph 11
  1.  

Person entering for child contact or shared parenting arrangements.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(c)

Required Must provide evidence of the parenting or child contact arrangement, e.g. a parenting plan, court order, legal agreement or statutory declaration.

Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements, unless the person

- can meet the requirements in paragraph 4 below.

Must enter by air, unless entry is from New South Wales where entry can also be by road if the person travels directly to their destination and the distance is such that an overnight stop in Queensland is not required.
  1.  

Person entering to attend court.

See Part 2, paragraphs 11(b).

Required Must provide evidence of a court order and confirmation from the Court that they are required to attend in person. Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements, unless the person can meet the requirements in paragraph 4 below. Must enter by air.
  1.  

Person entering meet law enforcement obligations.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(d).

Required The person must be able to provide written evidence from the relevant law enforcement agency that they are required in Queensland. Quarantine as required by the global quarantine requirements, unless the person can meet the requirements in paragraph 4 below. Must enter by air unless being transported by law enforcement.
  1.  

Person in transit through a Queensland airport.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(f).

Required  

The person must remain in the confines of the airport.

A person who leaves the confines of the airport must quarantine until the time of their onward flight.

Must enter by air.
  1.  

Person who transited through an airport in a COVID-19 hotspot.

See Part 2, paragraphs 11(g)

Required  

A person may enter Queensland without quarantining provided they entered from an approved airport and remained within the confines of the airport.

A person entering from an airport that is not an approved airport will have to quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements.

Must enter by air.
  1.  

Higher education institution or boarding school students entering for the purposes of receiving instruction including a parent or guardian accompanying a student who is a minor.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(h)

Required For higher education students, evidence of enrolment at a Queensland higher education institution Quarantine as required by global quarantine requirements, unless the person can meet the requirements in paragraph 4 below. May enter by road or rail only if a commercial flight to Queensland is not available from an airport within 300km of their primary place of residence.
  1.  

Person entering to obtain essential health care, or as a support person to a person obtaining essential health care.

See Part 2, paragraph 11(i)

Required Evidence required under the definition of essential health care in Part 5, paragraph 39. Quarantine as required by health care quarantine requirements in paragraphs 5 and 6 below. May enter by road, rail or air.
  1.  

A passenger of an ambulance or aeromedical service

See Part 2, paragraph 11(j)

Not required None Quarantine as required by health care quarantine requirements in paragraphs 5 and 6 below. May enter by road or air
  1.  

Person granted a Chief Health Officer exemption

See Part 4, paragraph 22

Required Evidence of the exemption granted. Quarantine as required by any conditions given with exemption. Must enter as required by conditions given with exemption.

Quarantine requirements

For the purpose of this Schedule, the global quarantine requirements are specified in paragraphs 1 to 3 below.

  1. The person must:

    1. quarantine in a nominated premises and remain in that place for a period of 14 days commencing on the date of their arrival to Queensland; and

      Note: A person may be directed by an emergency officer (public health) to quarantine at government-nominated accommodation at their own expense in accordance with section 362MC of the Public Health Act 2005.

    2. travel to the nominated premises by the most direct practical route and means to the place; and

    3. not leave the nominated premises for a 14-day period, except:

      1. for the purposes of obtaining essential medical care or supplies or acting as a support person for a person obtaining essential medical care; or

        Example – a parent and child leaving quarantine for a child to receive essential medical treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital

      2. to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm; or

        Example - escaping a risk of harm related to sexual or domestic and family violence

      3. in the event of an emergency situation; or

      4. to attend a Court or Tribunal or to give effect to orders of the Court or Tribunal; or

      5. to assist with or participate in a State, Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement investigation or other action at the request or direction of a State, Territory or Commonwealth department or law enforcement agency; or

      6. for airline crew, to carry out essential regulatory or safety flight related duties or to attend their next work duty; or

        Example: flight simulation training, safety and security training.

      7. to leave Queensland by the most direct route without stopping; or

      8. as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health); and

    4. provide a negative COVID-19 test result prior to being able to leave quarantine for any reason other than an emergency situation; or

    5. wear a protective mask when leaving quarantine as permitted under paragraph 1(c); and

    6. any travel under paragraph 1(c) must be:

      1. by private vehicle; or

      2. by a taxi with a protective shield between driver and passenger or a taxi van that allows for physical distancing between the driver and passenger; or

      3. by transport arranged by a government authority; and

    7. must not permit any other person to enter the nominated premises unless that other person:

      1. resides in the nominated premises or is also quarantining at the nominated premises; or

      2. enters the nominated premises to provide emergency, medical or other essential care to a person residing in the nominated premises; or

      3. enters to fulfil a obligation relating to shared parenting or child contact including as part of an order or arrangement under the Child Protection Act 1999; or

      4. enters the nominated premises to give effect to orders of a Court or Tribunal; or

      5. as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health).

  2. A person who is permitted to leave their nominated premises during the period of quarantine must take all reasonable steps to minimise contact with other persons.

  3. A person unable to live independently without ongoing or regular support, including disability support, due to significant health needs, may have a carer or support person quarantine at the nominated premises with them at their own expense.

  4. A person permitted to enter Queensland under Part 2, will be required to quarantine as required by the global quarantine requirements unless the person:

    1. has completed a minimum 14 days of government mandated quarantine in another State or Territory immediately prior to entering Queensland; and

    2. provides the following to an emergency officer (public health):

      1. written confirmation of the person’s quarantine period from a government authority of another State or Territory where the government mandated quarantine was completed; and

      2. written confirmation from the health authority of another State or Territory where the government mandated quarantine was completed that the person had a negative COVID-19 test result after day 10 (or later) of the government mandated quarantine; and

      3. an undertaking that the person wore a protective mask and travelled by the most practicable direct route without stopping from the place of government mandated quarantine to an approved airport to depart the COVID-19 hotspot and did not leave the confines of the airport.

    3. any travel under paragraph 4(b)(iii) must be by:

      1. private vehicle; or

      2. a taxi with a protective shield between driver and passenger or a taxi van that allows for physical distancing between the driver and passenger; or

      3. transport arranged by the government authority.

        Note – a private vehicle does not include a bus or shuttle service including an airport shuttle, airport transfer service or regional or inter-city bus service.

    4. A person who is unable to meet all of the requirements in paragraphs a, b and c above must quarantine in accordance with the global quarantine requirements.

    5. A person who satisfies paragraphs a, b(i) and b(iii) but is unable to meet the requirement in paragraph (b)(ii) above, must quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result, whichever is the shorter period.

      For example, a returning Queensland resident who has completed government mandated quarantine for 14 days in another State or Territory but has not had a negative COVID-19 test, will be required to quarantine in Queensland until they receive a negative COVID-19 test.

  5. A person entering Queensland for health care, or as a support person for a person receiving health care:

    1. for a day admission, procedure or appointment must minimise contact with the general public, including as follows:

      1. the person and any support person must remain within their vehicle to the extent possible or, subject to any other public health direction, within the confines of the place care is being received and leave Queensland immediately following the treatment or appointment; or

      2. for a support person transporting a person to or from Queensland to receive care, the support person must remain in the vehicle or, subject to any other direction, within the confines of the place care is being received until the care is complete, or immediately leave Queensland without stopping after dropping off or picking up the person receiving care in Queensland; or

    2. for a person remaining in Queensland for more than one day must quarantine as follows:

      1. for a person required to stay in Queensland for more than one day who is not admitted into a facility or service, within the confines of the place care is being received or in government nominated accommodation at their own expense until the time the care is complete, and they leave Queensland; or

      2. for a person admitted at a hospital, facility or service for more than one day, at the place of admission; or

      3. for a support person who needs to remain in Queensland for more than one day, in government nominated accommodation or, subject to any other direction and the hospital or facility’s ability to accommodate, within the confines of the place care is being received.

  6. A person entering Queensland for health care, or as a support person for a person receiving health care, will have to quarantine for the period of time they are required to be present in Queensland. Once care is complete, a person must leave Queensland by the most direct route without stopping. A person is not required to remain in quarantine for 14 days if their treatment is less than 14 days.

  7. Despite paragraph 1(a) above, a person who is a cleared case of COVID-19 who has been given an exemption to enter Queensland by the Chief Health Officer may end quarantine before 14 days if a local Public Health Unit in Queensland assesses that the person meets the release from isolation criteria.

Schedule 3 – Border Zone

  1. The border zone comprises the geographical areas within the following postcodes which are represented visually on the Public Health Direction (COVID-19 Border Restrictions) Map approved by the Chief Health Officer and published on the Queensland Health website.

New South Wales
2360
2361
2371 (only the parts that fall within the Glenn Innes Severn, Tenterfield and Inverell local government area)
2372
2398
2399
2400
2401
2402
2403
2404
2405
2406
2408
2409
2410
2411
2463 (only the parts that fall within the Richmond Valley local government area)
2470
2471
2473
2474
2475
2476
2477
2478
2479
2480
2481
2482
2483
2484
2485
2486
2487
2488
2489
2490
2832
2833
2834
2838
2839
2840
2880
4373
4383
4385
2347 (only the parts that fall within the Gwydir Shire Council local government area)
2359 (only the parts that fall within the Gwydir and Inverell Shire Councils local government areas)
2365 (only the parts that fall within the Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Shire Councils local government areas)
2369 (only the parts that fall within the Inverell Shire Council local government area)
2370 (only the parts that fall within the Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield Shire Council local government areas)
2386 (only the parts that fall within the Walgett Shire Council local government area)
2387 (only the parts that fall within the Moree Plains and Walgett Shire Councils local government areas)
2388 (only the parts that fall within the Walgett Shire Council local government area)
2390 (only the parts that fall within the Moree Plains and Gwydir Shire Councils local government areas)
2397 (only the parts that fall within the Moree Plains Shire Council local government area)
2460 (only the parts that fall within the Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Shire Councils local government areas)
2469 (only areas that fall within the Kyogle Council, Richmond Valley Council and Tenterfield Shire Council local government areas)
2472 (only areas that fall within the Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council local government areas)
2648 (only the areas that fall within Unincorporated Far West New South Wales)
2829 (only the areas that fall within the Walgett Shire Council local government area)
2831 (only the areas that fall within the Brewarrina, Bourke and Walgett Shire Councils local government areas)
2836 (only the areas that fall within Unincorporated Far West New South Wales)
2879 (only the areas that fall within Unincorporated Far West New South Wales)

Queensland entry pass

You must complete a Queensland entry pass to enter Queensland from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, including returning Queensland residents.

Form for patient/client entering Queensland to receive essential health care

Anyone entering Queensland from a declared COVID-19 hotspot to receive essential healthcare must show written evidence including the time and place in Queensland that the essential healthcare is to be provided.

This evidence can be in the form of an official letter or the facility may choose to use the approved form for entering Queensland to receive essential health care (DOCX 72 kB) which has been developed to assist with this.

Protocols approved by the Chief Health Officer

Protocol for maritime crew—for maritime crew entering Queensland to join a vessel or sign off a vessel.

Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland—for freight operators entering Queensland to deliver goods.

Operational protocol for disaster management workers entering Queensland—for persons entering Queensland to perform disaster management or disaster operations activities or to respond to a public safety emergency.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Checklist

When facilitating crew changeovers, agents are required to follow the protocol and seek Regional Harbour Master endorsement using the MSQ checklist prior to a transfer being endorsed.

Specialist Workers

A person arriving from a COVID-19 hotspot may be considered a specialist worker required to provide emergency services or continuity of government services, infrastructure or utilities critical to Queensland.

Learn more

Last updated: 1 October 2020