Queenslanders who have entered the Tweed Shire and Byron Shire since 18 September will need to mimic the New South Wales (NSW) stay-at-home-orders that have been put in place for those Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said that the increased risk, particularly at the beginning of the school holidays, is very concerning for the state.
"NSW Health is managing the increased risk in the Tweed and Byron LGAs by enacting stay-at-home orders for everyone in, and who has been to those areas," Dr Young said.
"Queensland will mimic the same orders for anyone who has been in the Tweed or Byron Shires on, or since, 18 September.
"This will come into effect from 1am Wednesday 22 September.
"Anyone who enters or who has previously been to Tweed or Byron LGAs must follow the stay-at-home orders for as long as the NSW Government determines, or for 14 days since leaving the area, whichever time period is less.
"The reason we're taking a stronger approach than other restricted LGAs in the border zone is this case has been very active in the region, and because of increased movement across the border.
"We know that many Queensland residents and many Tweed and Byron residents cross the border every day, more times than what you would see with other restricted LGAs in the border zone.
"Because of this, there is a much higher risk of transmission into Queensland from this case."
Dr Young said it's important those affected follow the directions of NSW Health in this case, to ensure we can continue the freedoms we have here in Queensland.
"Queensland has done remarkably well throughout the past 18 months and its vital we continue these efforts to protect that safety of more than five million Queenslanders," Dr Young said.
"We advised earlier today that the Tweed Shire and Byron Shire have been reinstated as part of the restricted NSW border zone from 1am Wednesday 22 September.
"Please remember that these are additional restrictions above the stay at home orders when talking about crossing the border, particularly around essential work."
For the NSW stay at home orders, please visit the NSW Government's website.
For the limited purposes to enter Queensland from a restricted border zone LGA, visit the Queensland Health website.
