Queensland dumps PCR test requirement for visitors from January 1

Queensland's move to using rapid antigen tests for interstate travellers from January 1 will rely on an "honesty system". 

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said travellers will be required to fill out an online declaration that they had performed a rapid antigen test and returned a negative result within 72 hours of travel. 

Dr Gerrard said he would refer the specifics to the Queensland Police Commissioner, but making a false declaration is a crime. 

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the change this morning, saying people seeking to enter Queensland from a domestic COVID-19 hotspot will need a negative rapid antigen test to cross the border, rather than a PCR test.

The decision comes after days of wrangling between states, as New South Wales blamed long delays in testing queues and results on holiday travellers.

Ms Palaszczuk had earlier said her government would look to ease the PCR test requirement in the new year.

It comes as health authorities hope for shorter testing queues today amid fears people are catching the virus while waiting in line.

The state yesterday scrapped the requirement for visitors and returnees to get a PCR test on the fifth day after their arrival, after recording more than 1000 daily cases for the first time.

Queensland recorded 1589 new cases of COVID-19 today, this follows 1158 new infections yesterday.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said few were coming from the day-five tests.

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"Anybody who is waiting in lines now for their day five test kit, they will not be required to get them," she said yesterday.

Visitors to the state will still have to tick the box on their entry form that says they will get the day-five test, until the website is updated, but they won't be held to that commitment.

It's feared that the long queues for PCR tests are jeopardising peoples' health, with vulnerable individuals lining up near people with COVID-19 symptoms.

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But Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has previously said there were strong protocols in place to help prevent potential spread.

Today is the first day back from the public holiday break, meaning more clinics will be open for longer, with hopes it will shorten wait times.

Despite rising case numbers in Queensland, the state's hospitalisation figures remain low, with just six people needing treatment for COVID-19.