Travellers in mandatory quarantine inside south west motel

THE number of travellers undergoing mandatory quarantine at a Roma motel has grown to 10 only days after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk enacted hard line restrictions on Victorians arriving in the sunshine state.

Inspector Ray Vine from the Roma Patrol Group confirmed the motel being used to quarantine travellers had several arrivals on Thursday, bringing the total from two to 10.

“Queensland Health continues to provide ongoing support to those in quarantine and the police will be maintaining a 24/7 security presence until all persons are discharged,” he said.

“I would like to reassure the community that there is a well developed joint agency response in place to ensure there is no risk to anyone in Roma.

“We’re working very hard to ensure the welfare of those in quarantine and to keep

Western Queensland COVID free.

“It’s likely we will see an increase in travellers to Roma and surrounding communities with border restrictions eased which will be a positive step for economic recovery.”

Queensland’s borders opened at 12pm on Friday, with exception to anyone from Victoria, returned from overseas or has been in a COVID hotspot in the past 14 days.

“Friday saw a significant increase in border crossings in the southwest, with approximately 800 vehicles crossing at Mungindi and Hebel between 12-5pm,” Insp Vine said.

“More than 50 vehicles were turned around due to having come from a hotspot.

“The work being conducted at the border by the Queensland Police Service and Australian Defence Force has been a significant factor in Queensland’s success in stopping the spread of COVID-19.”