Queensland Is Closing Its Borders to a Third NSW Hotspot in Sydney's West

Sydneysiders who have been to Fairfield Council in the city's west will no longer be able to enter Queensland, with the Sunshine State declaring the region a NSW COVID–19 hotspot. Fairfield joins the neighbouring councils of Liverpool and Campbelltown, which were announced as hotspots back on Tuesday, July 14.

On July 10, Queensland opened its borders to visitors from all states and territories — except Victoria, which is also declared a hotspot — but from 1am on Monday, July 27, visitors from Fairfield 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 46 positive COVID-19 cases are linked to the Thai Rock restaurant in Wetherill Park, which is part of Fairfield.

The NSW Government sent out a health alert directing anyone who visited the restaurant between Thursday, July 9 and Sunday, July 12, or on Tuesday, July 14, to get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

While NSW recorded 19 new cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Wednesday, July 22, Queensland recorded zero and has just three active cases.

When asked what classifies a hotspot, Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has previously 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 1am on Monday, July 27, anyone who has visited Fairfield 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. Those who have visited Sydney councils Campbelltown and Liverpool, as well as Victoria, are also subject to the same rules. For more information, head to the Queensland Government website.

Image: The Queensland-NSW Border at Tweed Heads via WikiCommons.