Queensland Has Declared Two Sydney Council Areas COVID-19 Hotspots

Sydneysiders who have been to two council areas in the city's southwest will no longer be able to enter Queensland, with the Sunshine State today, Tuesday, July 14, declaring both Liverpool City Council and Campbelltown City Council in NSW COVID-19 hotspots.

Last week, on July 10, Queensland opened its borders to visitors from all states and territories — except Victoria, which is also declared a hotspot — but from midday today, visitors from one of the two new Sydney hotspots will be turned away at the border. Returning Queensland residents or those entering for a range of essential reasons will be required to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days.

The move comes as a cluster of 21 positive COVID-19 cases are linked to the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney's southwest.

Earlier this week, both the Queensland and NSW Governments sent out public health alerts urging those who had visited the pub between Friday, July 3 and Friday, July 10 to get tested and self-isolate for 14 days.

Queensland currently has only four active cases of COVID-19, but 18 Brisbanites who visited the Crossroads Hotel have been tested and are in isolation awaiting results.

When asked what classifies a hotspot, Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said, "It's when there's clearly a growing numbers of cases and there's community acquisition of cases — so we've seen that here."

From midday, Tuesday, July 14, anyone who has visited Liverpool City or Campbelltown City in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter Queensland unless they are a returning resident or are entering for one a few essential reasons. For more information, head to the Queensland Government website.