One thousand returning Queenslanders will be given the chance to trial the state’s new COVID-19 home quarantine model from next Monday, October 11.
Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath said the Queensland Government was excited for the home quarantine trial to commence.
“On 11 October, Queensland residents currently located in a COVID-19 hotspot, who have already applied to return home, will be invited to trial this new model,” the Minister said.
“Those who have already applied to return to Queensland will be contacted by the Government to ascertain their eligibility to participate.”
Minister D’Ath said it was important that those trialling the program took the opportunity seriously.
“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,” she said.
“Participants will need to nominate their quarantine address, which must be located within one of the eight Local Government Areas.
“These Local Government Areas have been chosen because they are 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.
“As all Queenslanders would want, strict criteria must be met by the person taking part in the home quarantine trial.”
The eight Local Government areas where the home quarantine trial will be conducted are Brisbane (excluding Moreton Island), Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Redland (excluding the islands of the Redland LGA)
Returning Queenslanders taking part in the trial must be:
- Be fully vaccinated (with at least two weeks having passed since receiving their second dose);
- Have returned a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry;
- Use the home-quarantine check-in system;
- Quarantine at home for 14 days;
- 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, the Minister said.
