The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport is stressing a safety-first message with the State’s borders set to reopen to southern hotspots this summer.
In a statement, the Department said Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing would be in place for domestic travel from hotspots until 90 per cent of eligible Queenslanders had received a double dose of vaccination.
“Consistent with other jurisdictions around Australia, PCR tests are an important safeguard in keeping Queenslanders safe as borders reopen,” the Department said.
“Indeed it is the same test that the Commonwealth requires for travellers arriving into Australia,” it said.
“Once 90 per cent of the eligible Queensland population is fully vaccinated, domestic travellers from hotspots who are fully vaccinated will not require a PCR test.”
The Department said proof of a negative PCR test would be accepted via text message or by other digital means.
“This is aimed at making travel as seamless as possible and will forgo the need for travellers to obtain formal documentation of a negative PCR test,” it said.
“The Commonwealth Government also has the option of subsidising this important PCR test via Medicare with the stroke of a pen.”
The Department said the State Government had announced a number of measures that would require all staff and patrons to be vaccinated at a range of businesses and venues.
“It is important to note that, regardless of how early Queensland may hit the 80 per cent double-dose vaccination rate, these measures will begin from 17 December,” it said.
“This provides important certainty so businesses and staff can plan accordingly.
“As with every decision taken throughout the pandemic, all of these safeguards have been put in place in accordance with the Chief Health Officer’s advice,” the Department said.
