THE Queensland border finally opened to all NSW residents on Monday 1 February after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s surprise announcement last week of the border’s reopening.

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Local residents will no longer have to complete a Border Declaration Pass to enter Queensland, following the announcement that the border will reopen to Sydney residents.

The Queensland border was closed to Greater Sydney residents just before Christmas after two Coronavirus clusters on the Northern Beaches and Berala broke out.

The Border Restrictions Direction 1 commenced on 22 December 2020 and required a person entering Queensland who had been in NSW after 11 December to apply for and receive a Queensland Border Declaration Pass and present it upon arrival in Queensland.

The border reopening came after NSW recorded ten consecutive days of no community transmission of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said it was really good to see the Queensland border open again.

“We have always relied on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.

“They have never recommended that the QLD state border needed to be closed,” Mr Hogan stressed.

“It’s great to see it open again, the massive disruption it has caused is no longer.”

An easing of COVID-19 restrictions has also been announced in NSW with residents now allowed to have 30 guests at their homes, and no cap on the number of people allowed in hospitality venues, in places of worship and at corporate events.

However, the one person per four square metre rule will still apply.

Up to 50 people can now gather in groups outdoors such as picnics, and weddings can accommodate up to 300 guests, with the one person per four square metre rule still applying, and only twenty nominated people in the wedding party can dance on the dance floor.

Masks must be worn on public transport and in places of worship.

Hairdressers, beauticians, health workers and front of house hospitality staff must wear face masks.

The new rules came into effect on Friday 29 January.

Restrictions may be further eased by the Government in a week if COVID-19 case numbers remain low in the State.

By Emma DARBIN