From 1am this morning, mandatory Covid-19 testing for freight and logistics operators is back in place in Queensland, along with changes to border pass requirements.
Queensland has now closed the border to NSW. The new Border Directive 28 details updated requirements including mandatory testing requirements for freight and logistics workers.
All of NSW, Victoria and South Australia are now considered Queensland declared Covid-19 hotspots.
Mandatory testing will apply to freight and logistics operators entering Queensland from Queensland declared Covid hotspots.
For freight and logistics drivers entering Queensland who have been in an affected area, they must have evidence of a negative test result in the past seven days AND evidence of a test 72 hours prior to entering Queensland.
They will also need to maintain a rolling three-day testing cycle until the driver leaves Queensland or 14 days have passed since you were in the affected area, whichever is shorter.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) advises that drivers who have left the confines of the heavy vehicle in an affected area are considered to have been in an affected area. Currently an affected area includes the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown in NSW.
For freight and logistics drivers entering Queensland from a currently declared COVID-19 hotspots, they must have evidence of a negative test result in the past seven days prior to entering Queensland and maintain a rolling seven-day routine testing cycle while the driver continues to travel into and out of declared Covid-19 hotspots.
“We are aware of the current challenges that drivers are facing with getting a covid test and we will continue to work with government on more workable solutions to support industry,” said the QTA in its email newsletter.
It also advised that freight and logistics operators can be tested at Queensland Health fever testing clinics.
Operators can show their ID card and valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (F Pass) to health workers when they arrive to be prioritised for testing. Costs may be incurred if operators go to a private testing facility.
Freight and logistics operators can be tested at Queensland Health fever testing clinics.
“Operators can show their ID card and valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (F Pass) to health workers when they arrive to be prioritised for testing. Costs may be incurred if operators go to a private testing facility,” advised the QTA.
The Queensland Border Declaration system is also being. QTA advised that these are the changes so far:
1. Drivers entering Qld that have been in an Affected Area must apply for a new Qld Border Declaration F Pass EVERY TIME they enter Qld after being in an affected area.
Currently an Affected Area includes the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown in New South Wales.
Example: A freight and logistics operator who will be travelling between an affected area and Queensland several times within a 14 day period will have to complete a new Queensland Border Declaration Pass (F Pass) every time they plan to enter Queensland after being in an affected area.
*Drivers who have left the confines of the heavy vehicle in an Affected Area are considered to have been in an affected area. (currently an Affected Area includes the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown in New South Wales).
2. Drivers entering Qld from a declared COVID-19 hotspot must have a valid F Pass.
Freight and logistics operators entering Queensland who have been in a QLD declared hotspot in the previous 14 days, or since the identified start date for the QLD declared COVID-19 hotspot (whichever is shorter), are required to have a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (F Pass)
3. Drivers entering from anywhere else – must have the Queensland Travel Declaration.
Freight and logistics operators are not exempt from this requirement.