Queensland border decision greater sydney annastacia palaszczuk coronavirus 20210128 p5y31q.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Queensland reopens border to all of NSW from February 1, premier confirms

Natalie Oliveri
Natalie Oliveri

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the border to New South Wales will reopen on February 1.

Speaking to Today, the premier confirmed the hard border lockout would end on Monday after the December 21 closure, which saw numerous suburbs in Greater Sydney banned.

"The NSW border will reopen on the 1st of February," Ms Palaszczuk said.

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Queensland to reopen borders to NSW - Annastasia Palaszczuk on Today.

Queensland to reopen borders to NSW, Annastasia Palaszczuk tells Today. Today

"So it's a great time for families to be reunited, but also, too, for people to plan their holidays."

Thousands of residents across Greater Sydney were shut out from entering the sunshine state, after two coronavirus clusters on the Northern Beaches and Berala, in the city's south-west, over Christmas.

Ms Palaszczuk made the decision after receiving advice from Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young.

"I met with tourism operators yesterday," Ms Palaszczuk said, speaking from Cairns this morning.

"They're really feeling at the moment. They had a good Christmas but now kids are back to school, so if anyone's down there in NSW or Victoria and you're thinking about having a holiday, come up to Cairns.

"Everyone is here, ready and willing to welcome you with open arms and a friendly smile."

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The announcement comes after NSW recorded no new cases in the community for the 10th straight day.

The positive news has prompted NSW authorities to announce an easing of restrictions across Sydney, from 12.01am tomorrow.

Up to 30 people will be allowed to visit a house, including children, and 50 people can attend an outdoor event such as a picnic, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced.

As many as 300 people can now attend weddings, subject to the four-square-metre rule.

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There is no cap on the number of people at hospitality venues or places of worship.

However, this is subject to the four-square-metre rule for at least another fortnight, when its expected the Berala cluster in Sydney's west will be knocked out, Ms Berejiklian said.

READ MORE: NSW Premier blindsided by Queensland border changes, told news while on air

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a major easing of restrictions across NSW and Sydney. James Alcock/NINE MEDIA

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Masks will remain mandatory on public transport, in places of worship and beauty salons and by front of house hospitality staff, but become optional at supermarkets, and other retail and hospitality venues.

"It is mandatory to wear a mask on public transport," Ms Berejiklian said.

"No questions asked. It is mandatory to wear a mask in a place of worship. And it's also mandatory to wear a mask if you're a front-facing hospitality worker."

The premier also flagged that restrictions are likely to be further relaxed in a fortnight so long as there is no or low community transmission of the virus.

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