The Queensland Government has released updated guidance on border restrictions effective 20 August. The revised guidelines clarify the requirements for community members and health care practitioners entering and returning to Queensland.
Essential health care
NSW residents can enter Queensland without an exemption to obtain essential health care if the health care cannot be provided in the place of residence. The definition of essential health care has been expanded to include appointments with prescribed health practitioners including medical, nursing, midwifery, allied health and dental services. The full list of essential health care inclusions is available here.
This update will significantly mitigate the impact of border restrictions on community members accessing health care.
Quarantine is not required if the duration of the treatment is less than one day. If the treatment is more than one day, patients will be required to quarantine for 14 days. For more details, visit the Queensland Government website.
Border zone residents
A border zone resident is someone who lives in a community on the Queensland / New South Wales border. Communities within the Tweed Shire in the 2483 postcode are included in the border zone. Border zone residents can cross the border for any purpose. Click here to view the border zone map (PDF).
Health practitioners
Health practitioners who reside inside the border zone are able to move freely within the border zone. Practitioners living outside the border zone in Queensland and travelling to areas outside the border zone in NSW to deliver essential health care are currently subject to quarantine requirements upon return to Queensland.
Healthy North Coast has made a request to the Queensland Chief Health Officer for an exemption for this small group of primary and allied health practitioners so that they are able to deliver essential health care services and return to their place of residence. We continue to work closely with the Northern NSW Local Health District and representatives at all levels of government to advocate for the needs of primary care practitioners and the community.
While the impact of border restrictions is understandably concerning for health practitioners, these restrictions are an important measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within our communities. A continued focus on physical distancing, hand hygiene and encouraging early testing remains our best defence against COVID-19.
Photo by Igor Corovic / Shutterstock.com