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Queenslanders could receive police visit if they miss home quarantine text with 10 mins to respond

Alex DruceNCA NewsWire
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath at parliament. Pic Annette Dew
Camera IconHealth Minister Yvette D'Ath at parliament. Pic Annette Dew Credit: News Corp Australia

Queenslanders in home quarantine will need to answer a randomly-timed text message within 10 minutes or risk a visit by the cops, as part of strict new Covid compliance laws announced this morning.

The new rules - enacted with immediate effect - are part of a real-time compliance push by the state government ahead of the school holidays that start next week.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath told parliament today residents in home quarantine will receive a random message at least once a day from Queensland Health.

Parliament
Camera IconHealth Minister Yvette D'Ath at parliament. Pic Annette Dew Credit: News Corp Australia

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The message will have a hyperlink that requires individuals to open and respond within 10 minutes.

“This means Queensland Health will be able to ensure individuals in home quarantine are at the residence they’re lawfully required to be at,” Ms D’Ath said.

“It specifically allows authorities to identify if anybody is away from their approved residence.”

Potential breaches will be assessed by police to identify whether further action is required, including fines and a direction to go into hotel quarantine at their own cost.

More to come

Originally published as Queenslanders could receive police visit if they miss home quarantine text with 10 mins to respond

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