Australia: Queensland will open its border with New South Wales, but it will continue to be remain closed to Greater Sydney and Victoria, according to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The decision, which was announced on the eve of the state election, will come into effect from 01:00 am, 3rd November, 2020. The Premier also said the decision was based on the advice of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Jeannette Young.
Fending questions about the economic impact of the prolonged closure, the Premier highlighted the importance of a strong health response for a robust economy.
Queensland has had one of the best Covid-19 response within Australian states – there have been only 1,172 confirmed cases and 6 fatalities owing to Covid-19 in the state. However, its border closure with NSW and Victoria is having an adverse effect on the state’s tourism economy. As the holiday season approaches, businesses have expressed concern that they may not be able to sustain themselves if tourists from Greater Sydney weren’t allowed to enter Queensland for the holidays.
The next review of border rules is due at the end of November. However, Dr. Young said there is a strong possibility that the state could open to NSW before Christmas as the state is “getting on top of these cases”. Dr. Young also said Queensland will be monitoring coronavirus cases in Victoria.
