More than 200 people supposed to be self-isolating in Queensland have vanished

More than 200 people supposed to be under self-quarantine in Queensland have vanished, with most suspected of giving false contact details at the border.

AUSTRALIA CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

Queensland police are hunting more than 200 people who vanished from self-quarantine. (AAP)

More than 200 people who vanished from self-quarantine after allegedly lying to officers when entering the state pose no danger of spreading the virus, says Queensland's premier.

Since April, police conducting compliance checks have found 387 people were not where they said they would be.

A number of them had left the state or had a legitimate change of address, but police are still to locate 210 people while a further 35 have been found and fined for breaching the rules.
Police stop motorists crossing the Qld-NSW border to check to for permits at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.
Police stop motorists crossing the Qld-NSW border to check to for permits at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. Source: AAP
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the absconders would be fined when caught, but added they posed no danger in spreading the virus as the cases date back to April.

"This was way back in April ... we don't have any concerns about those people," she told reporters.

Queensland has taken strict measures to control its borders which only reopened earlier this month.
Those from COVID-19 hotspots, which include large areas of Victoria and some parts of NSW, are either being turned away at the border or directed to mandatory hotel quarantine.

However, before the rules changed in July, travellers were permitted to quarantine at an address they chose.
State police union boss Ian Leavers said those flouting the rules should cop more than a fine.

"I don't envisage a task force chasing after these people (but) should we catch up with them, let's deport them back to NSW," he told ABC Radio Brisbane on Wednesday.

"Get rid of them, they shouldn't be here, it's unacceptable."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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Source: AAP


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