No evidence required for negative COVID-19 tests before entering the 'Sunshine State'
The Queensland Government has announced the removal of the requirement for freight workers and truck drivers to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter the state.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says the change follows a decision out of national cabinet to change testing requirements for all states except Western Australia.
The national changes included removing the requirement for truck drivers to have rolling seven days tests, while Western Australia and the Northern Territory will require truck drivers to have a negative RAT (rapid antigen test) for entry.
“We thank all truckies, freight drivers, and the industry for their cooperation and patience over the last year,” Bailey says.
“There is no longer any requirement for freight and truck drivers to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter Queensland.
“We have implemented a new F border pass for freight workers and truck drivers, which will still need to be completed to cross the border.
“Drivers must continue to monitor symptoms, and stay home if unwell, have tested positive, or have been deemed a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case,” Bailey says.
“If a driver develops symptoms while in Queensland, they must immediately undertake a COVID-19 test and not continue their journey until they have a negative result.”
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Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey
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The minister says other freight border entry requirement will remain including vaccination.
“Drivers will still need to provide proof they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and complete the F border pass” he says.
“Freight workers and truck drivers are absolutely essential to keeping food on the table and rebuilding our economy, and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts over the last two years.
“We understand it has been a challenging time for the industry and will continue to support the industry as we have done throughout the pandemic.
“This is one step which will make it easier for them to work in Queensland, and we will continue to adjust the protocols to reflect the health situation.”
Changed requirements
Freight and logistics operators are no longer required to:
• show evidence of a negative COVID-19 result before entering Queensland
• keep records of proximate contacts whilst on duty in Queensland.
Retained requirements
Freight and logistics operators must:
• hold a valid F Pass (Freight and Logistics)
• be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• immediately undertake a COVID-19 test (PCR or RAT) if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19
• not continue the journey until a negative test result is received, or they have ended their isolation as permitted under a Queensland Public Health Direction
• check in at all venues and document all interactions by registering applicable QR codes.
Border passes are available at https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/freight-and-logistics