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In Australia, to travel into Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, you must get a negative PCR test in the 72 hours prior to crossing the border. That means that you must have the test administered *and* get the result, within 3 days.
A combination of a spike in new infections with Omicron and Delta, enhanced close contact screening, pathology laboratories closing for the holidays, and the yearly migration from the South Eastern states to Queensland, exacerbated by the QLD insistence on the 72 hour test plus result rule, means that it is impossible at this time for people to cross the border.
People are losing money from flights they booked. They’re trapped in limbo waiting for results that won’t come in time for them to cross the border. They likely will not be able to meet their family for Christmas.
Here’s are some of the typical interactions. Caller = C. Me = M.
C: We need to get our results to cross the border, but we’ve been waiting 48 hours.
M: At this time, because of the high volume, it might be longer than 72 hours until you get your results.
C: But I need to get it within 72 hours to cross the border.
M: Yes, I understand.
C: So can you expiate it?
M: No, I’m afraid not.
C: You’ve ruined Christmas.
***
M: Thanks for calling the COVID Helpline, how can I help you?
C: I paid to get a test, but it’s been 72 hours and I haven’t got a result.
M: Ok, so none of the Government endorsed testing clinics will charge you …..
C: I paid though!
M: I understand. You paid a private Pathology clinic not recognised by the Government. The results will still be valid, but you have to call them to get your results.
C: What’s their number?
M: I don’t know. I can only give you the numbers of clinics endorsed by the government.
C: Well what happens if they don’t give me results in 72 hours? Can we go into Queensland?
M: No, you need a negative test and result in the 72 hours before entering Queensland.
C: But I PAID for a test and I haven’t got a result.
M: I understand. But you have to call the pathology lab to chase down your results.
C: But you can’t give me their number?
M: No, we don’t have a list of clinics that will charge you for results, only the public clinics.
C: You’ve ruined Christmas.
M: Thanks for calling.
***
C: Hey, my kid was at a day care and the day care just sent us an email that there was a positive case on the day my kid was there. What do I have to do?
M: So it’s likely your child is a close contact. You need to get them tested, then he has to isolate for at least 7 days, getting a second test on day 6, and a final test on day 12, but he doesn’t need to isolate for that last one.
C: Ok, but, we just bought tickets to Queensland. It’s probably the only time my son mill be able to meet his grandmother before she, *who know*.
M: I’m really sorry, but…
C: It’s not your fault. It’s okay. You’re doing a good job. Don’t let anyone tell you you ruined their Christmas.
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