Queensland to stay shut until there are no community coronavirus cases in Victoria or NSW

Queensland's border will remain shut until there are no more community coronavirus transmissions in NSW or Victoria, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks to the media during a press conference in Brisbane, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. The Queensland border will remain closed to Victoria but reopen to other states on July 10. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Source: AAP

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has no intention of re-opening Queensland until there are no community coronavirus cases south of the border, as her government pushes to host the AFL grand final.

The state's hard border lockdown would remain as long as local infections continued in NSW and Victoria, Ms Palaszczuk told reporters on Monday.

"I think we're going to continue to see restrictions in Victoria up until Christmas time," she added.

"That's very unfortunate for people living there but it's a serious situation."
Queensland recorded no new coronavirus cases on Monday and has eight active cases remaining.

Ms Palaszczuk is counting on the state's month of no locally-acquired infections to entice the AFL to bring the 2020 grand final north.

Queensland has hosted the bulk of the competition and close talks with the game's national body are ongoing behind the scenes.

"I'd hope that people living in Victoria would also support Queensland," she said.

The AFL is yet to announce the move but is expected to make a decision shortly.

The premier says she understands it's a tough choice to deprive Melbourne of its big day.
Motorists are seen approaching a checkpoint at Coolangatta on the Queensland- New South Wales border.
Motorists are seen approaching a checkpoint at Coolangatta on the Queensland- New South Wales border. Source: AAP
"Lets face it, (the grand final) has never left Victoria but Queensland does stand ready, willing and able to host."

Police had a busy royal show long-weekend in the state's southeast with132 flights delivering 7270 arrivals, 740 of whom have gone into mandatory quarantine.

On the roads, officers stopped 8601 vehicles at the border, turning around 594 and ordering 27 people into quarantine.

Only 14 on-the-spot fines were issued including nine false declarations from people trying to cross the border, and one border breach.
Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said people were peddling a raft of reasons for trying to enter the state.

"These are all people driving into our state without the proper exemption. Fortunately our officers are being vigilant."

Mr Gollschewski said he was still seeing a lack of social distancing at some venues and urged people to take the health measures seriously.

 

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

 

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

 

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3 min read
Published 17 August 2020 4:07pm
Source: AAP, SBS



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