Queensland Health says up to 1,000 returning Queenslanders are to take part in a new home quarantine trial.
Queensland residents currently located in a COVID-19 hotspot, who have already applied to return home, will be invited to trial the new model.
Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath said these residents would be contacted to ascertain their eligibility to participate.
“We ask that those Queenslanders taking part in the trial take the requirements of quarantining at home very seriously, to give the trial the best chance of success and possible future expansion,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Participants will need to nominate their quarantine address, which must be located within one of the eight Local Government Areas,” she said.
Ms D’Ath said the Local Government Areas had been chosen because they were within safe driving distance of the port of arrival, in this case being Brisbane Airport.
“Where a returning Queensland resident has nominated a private residence to complete the home quarantine trial, any other people who normally reside at the same location, and who will remain there during the quarantine period, will also need to quarantine,” she said.
“Strict criteria must be met by the person taking part in the home quarantine trial.”
The Minister said people taking part in the trial must be fully vaccinated (with at least two weeks having passed since receiving their second dose); have returned a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours of entry; and must use the home-quarantine check-in system.
She said they must also subject themselves to tests on days one, five and 12; have a suitable home with a direct entry; and arrive by air.
“Anyone who breaches home quarantine rules under the trial will be liable for fines and placement into hotel quarantine at their expense,” Ms D’Ath said.
