QUARANTINE requirements will be removed for close contacts from 6pm Thursday April 28 with Health Minister Yvette D’Ath stating that the relaxation of the rules was the next step towards managing COVID safely in the community and getting our lives back.
“When COVID reached our state, Queenslanders pulled together to deliver one of the world’s most successful pandemic responses,” the Minister said.
“Because we’ve listened to the health advice and because more than 92 per cent are fully vaccinated, Queenslanders can move forward with increased confidence.”
The measures being announced this week only apply to asymptomatic close contacts.
Close contacts who have symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to test and to isolate until these symptoms resolve, even if they return a negative RAT result.
Under the new arrangements, close contacts will need to wear masks outside their home for seven days and will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result every second day since becoming a close contact.
Minister D’Ath said close contacts who work in a vulnerable setting will still need to meet a range of criteria, including meeting the vaccination requirements, wearing a mask at all times, being free of symptoms, and undertaking regular COVID-19 testing.
Also from Thursday April 28, unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter Queensland without having to quarantine.
“This will deliver a shot in the arm to our tourism industry,” the Minister said.
“We hope to see many thousands of international travellers visiting Queensland thanks to these changes.”
International arrivals, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, will still need to return a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of their arrival and will need to undertake further testing if they develop symptoms.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said that it was important for all Queenslanders to continue to take precautions when needed.
“By no means should we consider this pandemic to be over.
“All Queenslanders should continue to use the techniques we already know; wash your hands, wear a mask when you are unable to distance yourself, and stay at home if you are unwell.”