What are the screening questions which may be asked on arrival to Queensland?
An emergency officer may require any person arriving in Queensland from overseas, including on a quarantine free flight, to answer questions or provide evidence about:
- whether the person has symptoms consistent with COVID-19
- whether they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days
- whether the person has been undertaking managed isolation or quarantine in a safe travel zone country in the past 14 days
- their name
- their date of birth
- their phone number while in Australia
- their intended address while in Australia
- their email address
- their flight number
- their flight seat number
- the places the person has been in the last 14 days before arriving in Queensland
- vaccination status or a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating the medical contraindication that prevents the person from being vaccinated
- results of a COVID-19 test taken in a clinical setting within 72 hours of their departure from a safe zone country.
Where is government arranged accommodation available in Queensland?
The Queensland Government has arranged for quarantine accommodation in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns.
How do I get from the airport to the accommodation to quarantine?
#airport-to-government-quarantine
The Queensland Government has arranged for quarantine accommodation in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns.
When you arrive, transport from the airport to government arranged accommodation will be provided. You cannot take a taxi, rideshare or public transport to the premises.
What do I do with my pets while I’m in quarantine?
You will need to arrange for the care of animals prior to your arrival in Queensland.
Can I quarantine at a cheaper hotel, at home or with family or friends?
No. Quarantine for people arriving from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a Queensland safe travel zone country) or from a declared COVID-19 hotspot must be in government arranged accommodation unless they are otherwise directed by an public health emergency officer. You cannot arrange to quarantine at home or other accommodation. This is due to the health risk that cannot be properly managed at other residences or accommodation providers. In limited circumstances, you may be directed to quarantine at another place by an emergency officer.
Can I have people visit me while in quarantine?
No. You are not allowed to have anyone enter your room, unless they are:
- needed for an emergency situation
- staying in the premises for quarantine reasons
- required to enter by an emergency officer to conduct a COVID-19 test
- directed to enter by an emergency officer for an emergency and their contact details are recorded.
What emergencies will people be allowed to enter my quarantine room?
Emergency officers will allow people to enter your room for an emergency situation where it is not possible for you to be transported to hospital. Other emergencies could include emergency maintenance such as a broken pipe.
Do I have to quarantine in Queensland if it’s not my final destination in Australia?
Yes. If Queensland is not your final destination in Australia you must quarantine here before continuing your journey unless you are an unaccompanied minor or you are travelling on a quarantine free flight from safe travel zone country.
I’m the parent/guardian of a child arriving into Queensland on their own, do they have to quarantine before I see them?
Unaccompanied minors must quarantine for 14 days in a nominated premises and they must stay with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult if they are coming from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) or a hotspot. They cannot quarantine at a residence. Unaccompanied minors who arrive in Queensland from overseas can be accompanied from the airport by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult to a nominated premises to quarantine.
An unaccompanied minor who arrives in Queensland from overseas can also travel from Queensland to another state or territory to quarantine at a place of residence with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, if it is allowed by the other state or territory.
A responsible adult is someone who has been given written consent by the child’s parent or legal guardian to complete quarantine in government arranged accommodation with them.
What happens if I have a long layover between my connecting international flights?
If you are arriving into Queensland from overseas and have a long layover before another international flight to leave Australia, there are different steps depending on how long your layover is:
- less than 8 hours – you will have to stay at the airport and will not have to complete the Queensland International Arrivals Registration
- 8 to 72 hours – you will be directed by an emergency public health officer to quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You will be required to pay for the number of nights you stay at the hotel if you are at the hotel for more than 24 hours.
Can I open the door of my quarantine room?
You can only open the door to your room for a permitted purpose if everyone inside is wearing a surgical face mask. You must wait one minute after staff have knocked on your door before opening the door. For example:
- collect food, laundry or other items left at your door
- place laundry, rubbish or other items directly outside your door in a sealed bag for collection
- in an emergency situation
- for safety reasons (to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm)
- for essential medical care, including a COVID-19 test
- as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to you by a relevant authority.
What rules must I follow to go on my balcony?
#balcony-rules
Please note, balconies are not available in all rooms.
If you have a balcony and wish to use it, you must practise social distancing, by staying 1.5 metres away from people on other balconies.
You must not:
- pass food or other items out of your balcony
- climb out of your balcony
- allow anyone to enter your balcony
- accept any other items on to your balcony
- physically interact with neighbouring guests across balconies.
Who doesn’t have to wear a face mask in quarantine?
There are some exceptions to wearing a face mask when opening the door to your quarantine room. These exceptions include:
- children under 12
- anyone who has a medical condition or disability that may be made worse by wearing a mask – for example, a person who has breathing difficulties, a serious skin condition on their face, a mental health condition or psychological impacts from experienced trauma.
What sort of face mask can I wear?
You can wear a single use surgical mask with a minimum level 1 barrier protection (Australian Standard) that covers your nose and mouth.
You cannot wear a scarf, bandana or face shield.
Where can I find information on how to correctly wear a face mask?
Find out how to use, wear and dispose of a face mask.
What if I decide I no longer want to remain in Queensland after starting my quarantine?
Arriving from Overseas
If you arrive in Queensland from overseas you will have to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days, at your own expense. You cannot leave quarantine to travel interstate or overseas unless you have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer.
If you come to Queensland from a safe travel zone country and you are directed to quarantine, you will only be able to leave quarantine early if allowed by an emergency officer or if you are granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer.
You will have to quarantine if you haven’t travelled on a quarantine free flight or from a country that is not a Queensland safe travel zone country. If you have been in a place outside of Australia in the 14 days immediately before you enter Queensland, you will have to follow the requirements under the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction.
Arriving from a hotspot
If you arrive in Queensland and you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), and have not been overseas in the last 14 days, you will need to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days.
If you decide you do not wish remain in Queensland after starting your quarantine, you can leave quarantine prior to completing the full 14 days to immediately leave Queensland without stopping, provided you:
- wear a mask and travel by an endorsed transport provider
- have received a negative COVID-19 test result while in quarantine.
Close contacts and interstate exposure venues
If you are identified as a close contact or you have been to an interstate exposure venue at the relevant time you will be contacted by a public health emergency officer and be required to get tested and quarantine as per their instructions. You cannot leave quarantine early unless you have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer due to the increased public health risk.
If we can’t find the people who had been in close contact with a person who tested positive, we will issue an alert on our website and through media and social media. This lists the dates, times and places where the sick person was will be listed on our website. We ask the public who may have had contact with that person at one of those times or places to contact us. If you have travelled interstate you should keep up to date with the latest public health alerts of as listed on the other relevant state or territory government’s website. If you have been in an exposure site you should call 134 COVID ( 134 268 ), you will be required to get tested immediately and follow the public health advice of the relevant jurisdiction.
If I am currently in mandatory quarantine due to entering from a country that has since become a safe travel zone country for Queensland, can I leave quarantine?
If you entered Queensland from a location that has since been declared a Queensland safe travel zone country, you can leave quarantine.
You must complete the following before you can leave quarantine:
- declare in writing that you haven’t been in a country that is not a safe travel zone country in the last 14 days
- provide your contact details and an address where you’ll be residing in Queensland
- have a negative COVID-19 test while in quarantine
- declare you have not been to any of the listed interstate exposure venues and commit to monitor the list of interstate exposure venues daily (at least once every 24 hours) from the time you complete a Queensland Entry Pass and for 14 days after arriving into Queensland
Can I leave the accommodation during my 14-day quarantine period?
No. You must not leave the nominated premises for 14 days, except:
- in an emergency situation
- for safety reasons (to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm)
- for essential medical care at a hospital, if allowed by the authority
- to depart on a connecting international flight
- as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to you by a public health emergency officer.
If I need to leave quarantine for an essential reason, how do I get to my destination?
If leaving quarantine for medical care at a hospital, you must travel in an ambulance.
If leaving quarantine for any other allowed purpose, you must travel in an emergency services vehicle or transport arranged by a government authority.If you are leaving quarantine for any other allowed purpose, you must travel in an ambulance or by a government authority endorsed transport provider with a transport plan.
How will my accommodation be organised?
When you arrive in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a Queensland safe travel zone country) or from a declared hotspot or if you are identified as a close contact needing to quarantine in government arranged accommodation, you will be given a mandatory 14 days quarantine notice and required to go straight to your government arranged accommodation.
Your accommodation and daily meals will be managed by Queensland Government.
Following the quarantine period, you will be invoiced for a contribution to the cost.
How can I get essential items when I arrive, e.g. nappies or medication?
You will receive an information pack at your accommodation listing the local services available. You can order takeaway like UberEats, and supermarket deliveries or arrange for friends and family to drop off food and other items. Please check with the hotel concierge on the preferred drop off method.
There will be people at the accommodation to support you. You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Do I have to pay for the hotel food if I provide my own?
Yes. Daily meals are included in the quarantine fee and there is no option to exclude them. All accommodation providers cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements. Please tell hotel staff if you have dietary requirements when you arrive.
Please note there will be no cooking facilities available in your room.
How will my food be delivered?
Food will be delivered to your room by ‘contactless delivery’. Hotel staff will explain how this will work.
You can only open the door to your room if everyone inside is wearing a surgical face mask. You must wait one minute after staff have knocked on your door before opening the door.
Can I order food and drinks online?
Yes, you can buy food and drinks online to be delivered to the hotel and staff will bring it to your room. You will be charged for hotel quarantine meals even if you don’t eat them.
Check the hotel rules about buying and drinking alcohol. Hotels practice responsible service of alcohol and deliveries are recorded. You are allowed the equivalent of six 330ml cans of beers (6-9 standard drinks), or one bottle of wine (7-8 standard drinks) per day.
Any excess alcohol will be stored on your behalf until you have completed your quarantine period.
What if I have dietary requirements?
Let hotel reception know if you have any dietary requirements when you check in.
I am travelling with a friend, can we share a bed and the cost of a single room?
If you have been travelling with a friend and this request can be accommodated, then the cost of the room provided can be shared for the full quarantine period. However, each person will be charged for the meals provided.
Can I pay to upgrade my hotel room?/ Can I request a room with a balcony?/ Can I choose my own hotel?/ Can I change my room?/ Can I choose which government hotel I go into? / If we are a family with children, can we get an apartment?
No. All rooms are pre-allocated. All attempts have been made by the Queensland Government to source suitable accommodation for quarantine purposes.
Room changes are not allowed unless medically required or in exceptional circumstances. There may be additional costs for room changes. Call hotel reception to request a Room change form.
What is included in the quarantine fee, e.g. Wi-Fi, gym, pool, minibar, Foxtel, laundry etc.?
While in mandatory quarantine you will not be able to use any shared facilities at the hotel (pool, gym etc.) due to the requirement to remain in your room. There will be a minibar fridge in your room, but there will be no minibar menu items available for the duration of your stay.
On arrival at your government arranged accommodation full details will be provided as to Wi-Fi access, laundry facilities etc.
Am I allowed to leave my room for fresh air or exercise?
We know how important it is to look after mental wellbeing, but we also know how important it is to keep Queenslanders safe and well.
Queensland Health does not support the provision of fresh air breaks during quarantine, as they pose a risk to the public health and safety of all persons involved.
Fresh air breaks are not allowed due to the potential spread of COVID-19.
What should I do if I am sick?
If you arrive in Queensland with any COVID-19 symptoms tell a health official immediately.
If you feel sick in quarantine tell the health support team or hotel staff immediately and stay isolated in your room.
Call emergency services on 000 if you are very unwell.
How do I get my medication while in quarantine?
If you have a current script, you can take a photo and send it to a local pharmacy. You will have to discuss payment and delivery of the medication with the hotel. Call hotel reception for local pharmacies.
If you don’t have a current script, you can book a telehealth consult with a Doctor. They can organise a prescription to be sent to a local pharmacy and medication delivered to the hotel. Call hotel reception for local Doctors.
How do I access First Nations medical services while in quarantine?
If you want to book a First Nations medical service, you first need a telehealth consult with a local Doctor. The Venue Health Manager can help you access Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospital liaison services.
Can I use my nebuliser or CPAP machine while in quarantine?
Using a nebuliser or CPAP machine is not permitted while in quarantine. Nebulisers and CPAP machines have an increased risk of spreading viruses such as COVID-19 through aerosolisation. This means small particles containing the virus can flow through the air and spread more widely.
If you require the use of a nebuliser or CPAP or any other respiratory device, call reception for the health team to discuss other ways to manage your health conditions.
I have a medical condition/live with a disability which means I am unable to live independently, can I quarantine with my carer?
A person unable to live independently without ongoing or regular support, including disability support, due to significant health or disability needs, will be accommodated in a special needs hotel or may have their carer quarantine with them.
How can I look after my mental wellbeing in quarantine?
Looking after your mental wellbeing is even more important during times of uncertainty. Read our blog for some hints and tips or check out Queensland Health’s Your Mental Wellbeing website.
We understand that measures put in place during the COVID-19 response, including mandatory quarantine, can be and have been difficult for some Queenslanders. There are people to support you during your quarantine. Queensland Health, as well as various government and community agencies, conduct regular wellbeing phone check-ups for people in mandatory quarantine.
If you are in mandatory quarantine and have any health concerns, please contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 health advice. You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
How can I stay connected with my friends and family during my quarantine?
Social distancing does not mean you cannot be social, keep the conversations going by:
- chatting on the phone
- having a video call
- writing an email.
To find out more about how to stay in touch while being physically apart, read our blog.
How can I keep physically active?
Getting your body moving can improve how you feel physically and mentally. We suggest trying some of the:
Can I smoke while in quarantine?
You cannot smoke in your room. It is important you talk to the health support team if you smoke or are dependent on any other substance. The health support team can help you get the support you need during your stay.
You can call Quitline (13 78 48) between 8am and 9pm, 7 days a week to receive free nicotine replacement therapy patches that can be sent to you within one business day. The Quitline also provides free and confidential advice on how to quit smoking.
What do I do in an evacuation?
In an evacuation, follow normal hotel procedures. If safe to do so, wear a face mask and keep 1.5 metres from others. You will be given an extra mask to use in case of an evacuation. If you use this face mask, ask for a new spare one.
What happens when I complete my 14 days of quarantine?
Your hotel’s health team will talk to you about leaving quarantine. You will have to:
- Arrange your selected departure time with reception and complete the hotel’s standard check-out process
- Wear your mask until you have departed the premises and on your transport home. If there are requirements for mask wearing in place at the time of your departure, you must follow these
- Give details that you can be contacted on for two weeks after leaving quarantine
- Follow any other instructions as provided by the onsite health and QPS team.
You cannot stay in government arranged accommodation after your quarantine has finished. You must organise and pay for your own travel and accommodation after quarantine. Call hotel reception if you need help with this.
I’m a consular employee, do I need to quarantine?
Yes. Consular employees who arrive in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a Queensland safe travel zone country) must quarantine in a government arranged hotel or other government organised quarantine.
Why do I have to be tested for COVID-19?
In Australia, it is known that international travellers and people who have been in a hotspot are at a higher risk of having COVID-19.
You have to be tested so that if you are carrying the virus – even without showing symptoms – you do not pass it on. By getting tested you will help keep Queenslanders safe.
How often do I need to be tested?
You will be tested for COVID-19 on:
- arrival at your government arranged accommodation; and
- on day 5; and
- on day 12 or 13 of your quarantine, even if you have no symptoms.
Some children may only be tested on days 10 to 13. Call hotel reception to speak to the Venue Health Manager if you have any questions.
Will the test be carried out in my room? Do I need to leave quarantine to get tested?
If you are in government arranged accommodation, trained clinicians will visit you at the hotel to undertake COVID-19 testing.
How long will it take to receive my results?
Results are usually available within a couple of days after the test was taken. Your result will be provided before leaving quarantine.
If the result is positive, you will receive a call from a public health doctor or nurse who will tell you what to do next.
If the result is negative, you will be contacted by the public health clinical support staff responsible for your quarantine venue, this may be by phone or by SMS.
How will I receive my results?
If the result is positive, you will receive a call from a public health doctor or nurse who will tell you what to do next.
If the result is negative, you will be contacted by the public health clinical support staff for your quarantine venue, this may be by phone or by SMS.
Can I be released from quarantine earlier than the 14 day period if I return a negative result?
No. People in quarantine who get tested for COVID-19 and the result is negative still need to remain for the full 14 day quarantine period. This is because you may be in the incubation period (the time between getting the virus and showing symptoms).
You can only leave quarantine earlier if you are in quarantine due to coming from a place that used to be a hotspot and is no longer a hotspot.
What happens if I develop symptoms during quarantine?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms that are life threatening or urgent:
- Call Triple zero (000). Tell the operator that you are in quarantine.
- If possible, call hotel reception and tell them an ambulance is coming.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms that are not urgent:
- Call hotel reception and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms. The hotel will tell the Venue Health Manager.
- The venue health team will contact you (during business hours) for an onsite COVID-19 test.
- Outside business hours you can call 134 COVID (134 268) to speak to someone about your health.
What happens if I test positive while in quarantine? Will I have to pay for a longer stay in government arranged accommodation?
If your test is positive, we will arrange to transfer you to a hospital to isolate until you have recovered.
Your isolation costs, for when you have tested positive to COVID-19, whether they be in hotel or hospital will be covered by the government if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
What happens if my test is negative?
If the result is negative, you will be contacted by the public health clinical support staff responsible for your quarantine accommodation, this may be by phone or by SMS.
People in quarantine who get tested for COVID-19 with a negative result still need to remain for the full 14 day quarantine period. This is because you may be in the incubation period (the time between getting the virus and showing symptoms).
You can only leave quarantine earlier if you are in quarantine because you have been in a hotspot and it is no longer a hotspot.
If I refuse to be tested, do I need to pay for the extra 14 days in government arranged accommodation?
Yes. By getting tested before leaving quarantine you are helping us stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting Queenslanders from the virus. We respect your right to refuse, however, you will be required to quarantine for a further 14 days until there is greater certainty that you do not have the virus. You will need to pay for costs of an extended quarantine period.
What does the test involve?
For the COVID-19 test, secretions are collected from the back of your nose and throat using a swab. The test will be performed in your hotel room by a trained healthcare professional. They will ask you to stand in your doorway to sit or lie down comfortably, if you are unable to stand, tilt your head back and quickly insert a small swab with a soft tip into your mouth and into each nostril. You may experience brief discomfort, but the test will be over quickly.
How are children under the age of 12 tested?
Small children will need testing using a specialised swab, by a healthcare professional who has been trained to complete COVID-19 tests on children. Discuss your children’s testing with the health support team, when they contact you regarding your tests.
Do I need to have a test if I have no symptoms?
Yes. It is a requirement that all people entering quarantine in government arranged accommodation must be tested before leaving quarantine.
Getting tested before you leave quarantine will help us find as many cases as possible and limit the possibility of the cases entering our community. This will ensure we are doing everything we can to manage Queensland’s response to the pandemic.
Do I need to take another test if I tested negative for COVID-19 before travelling to Queensland?
Yes. Anyone who has travelled to Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a Queensland safe travel zone country) or a declared hotspot will be asked to take a COVID-19 test soon after entry to quarantine, on day 5 and on day 12 or 13 of their 14 days quarantine in government arranged accommodation.
Is it safe for people to come into my room and test me?
Yes. Testing clinicians will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and they may also ask you to wear the appropriate PPE while getting tested or when leaving your hotel room. It is important you do not have any other visitors other than those who are exempt under the Direction.
What do I need to do to leave quarantine at the end of my 14 days in government arranged quarantine?
#what-to-do-leaving-hotel-quarantine
Testing during quarantine
You must have had a COVID-19 test each time requested by an emergency officer, including:
- as soon as you arrive in government arranged quarantine
- on day 5
- on day 12 or 13
You must receive a negative test each time you are tested.
If you refuse to be tested when requested, you will have to complete an additional 14 days quarantine in government arranged quarantine at your own expense.
What do I need to do after I leave government arranged quarantine?
#what-to-do-after-leaving-hotel-quarantine
Once you have completed your mandatory 14 day quarantine period, you have no further obligations and can complete the standard hotel check out procedure at your government-arranged accommodation.
However, if you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19 after your quarantine has ended, you are strongly urged to get tested and isolate yourself from others until you receive a negative result.
If you are having difficulty finding a testing location, you can visit a Queensland fever clinic.
