There were heart-warming scenes at Brisbane airport on Monday as families and loved ones reunited just in time for Christmas.
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Queensland opened its borders as of 1am Monday after it was closed for non-essential travel for almost four months.
What are the rules for entering Queensland from the ACT?
Fully vaccinated ACT residents can now enter Queensland provided they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, and agree to get another test five days after they enter the state.
The ACT has been listed as a COVID-19 hotspot since August 14.
People entering the state from an area not classified as a hotspot, are not required to undergo testing. A full list of COVID-19 hotspots can be found here.
All travellers will also need to apply for a Queensland Border Pass available on the Queensland Government's website.
If people follow these conditions they may travel to Queensland by any means including road.
However, Queensland residents, or those relocating to Queensland, who do not meet these criteria will continue to need to arrive by air, and complete 14 days of hotel quarantine.
What if I am not fully vaccinated?
Not fully vaccinated people are not able to enter Queensland without an exemption.
People arriving in Queensland from hotspots, which includes the ACT, who are not fully vaccinated must arrive by air and hotel quarantine for 14 days.
To apply for an exemption head to the Queensland Health website.
What about when I return from Queensland to the ACT?
Good news, there are currently no restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers returning to the ACT if they have not been to a high risk geographical area.
However, if you are have been to a high-risk area you will need to apply for an exemption 72 hours before your intended arrival.
Unvaccinated travellers who have been to a high risk area will have to apply for an exemption and stay home until 14 days has passed since they were in the area.
NSW high risk areas include: Central Darling, Federation, Moree Plains and Warrumbungle Shire.
Exemption forms are available on the ACT COVID-19 website.
Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Vanessa Johnston said the territory "basically [had] no border restrictions up at the moment".
"We do have some high risk local geographical areas in New South Wales and Victoria, where there is still significant transmission, which means there are some additional requirements for if you're unvaccinated, you do need to apply for an exemption," Dr Johnston told ABC Canberra.
"In other jurisdictions, we certainly are seeing steady uptake in cases that are acquiring their infection interstate, particularly NSW and Victoria."
She said this was not unexpected and as a result ACT Health was "not asking anything in particular of [fully vaccinated] individuals who are returning to the ACT after traveling in in Queensland".
"Although it's really important for Canberrans to check the requirements of the jurisdiction they're traveling into, because as we know, Queensland has a testing requirement. And other out of jurisdictions likely will do that as they open up," she said.
What restrictions are in place when I arrive in Queensland?
While mask wearing is not compulsory in most settings for Queensland, although it is recommended people carry a mask with them at all times.
However, you are required to wear a mask in some locations such as airports and domestic flights.
Signing in to venues and businesses is also required in Queensland. Information on the Check In Qld app is available online.
From December 17, unvaccinated people in Queensland will be banned from bars, restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets, all live music venues, karaoke bars, theatres, cinemas, casinos, music festivals, sports stadiums and theme parks. Visiting people in hospitals, aged care and health facilities will also be banned.
What if day five falls on Christmas Day?
If it's not practical for you to get a COVID-19 test on day five - for example, you're staying on an island and there are no testing clinics open, or day five for you falls on Christmas Day - you can have your test on day four, or as soon as possible after day five.
Can I get my booster vaccine while in Queensland?
Yes, you can! Simply head to a Queensland government run vaccine clinic to get your booster shot.
Dr Johnston said ACT Health had discussions between jurisdictions, particularly for the five- to 11-year-old vaccine rollout.
"A lot of people will not be in their home state in January and there is agreement across jurisdictions that people can access that vaccine at government clinics if you're interstate," she said.
"So if you are in the state during that period, you can go to a government clinic and get your vaccine.
"With ease of restrictions across the country now and several more jurisdictions opening their borders, we want to make sure that Australians are as protected as they can be against both Delta and the Omicron variants.
"And some very initial studies are showing that there is evidence that a booster vaccine will increase antibody levels against Omicron, perhaps not as much as Delta, but certainly there is a boost."
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