Queensland’s border will once again be closed to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The entire state of New South Wales, along with the ACT will join Greater Sydney and Victoria on Queensland’s COVID hotspot list, banning people travelling from those areas from entering the Sunshine State.

From 1:00am, Saturday 8 August, all visitors will be denied entry except for rare exemptions, and returning Queenslanders who will have to enter 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine at their own expense.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the hard border closure put Queenslanders first.

“I said that when the moment came, I would not hesitate,” the Premier said.

“That moment has arrived.

“Victoria hasn’t improved as we hoped and I won’t wait for New South Wales to get any worse.

“I will not risk our state’s economic recovery by allowing COVID to spread. I will do everything I can to protect Queenslanders and the economy.”

The Premier said now is not the time to be travelling to New South Wales or Victoria.

“I know it will be tough on Queenslanders but your health comes first.

“We have seen what has happened in Victoria we don’t want that to happen here.”

The Premier revealed the ACT was added to the border crackdown because some people were accessing Queensland via the ACT to get around the tough border rules.

Only residents of border communities and essential workers, such as truck drivers, will now be able to cross the border.

Exemptions, including for compassionate reasons, will be limited and passes granted for residents of border communities will be for those with proof of address and photo ID.

The Premier said providing notice of the closure was to give people time to plan and Queenslanders time to get home.

The news comes after Queensland recorded one new case of coronavirus today in a woman, aged 68, in West Moreton.

The source of that transmission is under investigation.

The number of active cases in Queensland stands at 11.

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said recent examples showed a blatant disregard for the law.

“The selfish and reckless actions of a few people are putting the safety of our community at risk and threatening to undo all of the good work of Queenslanders so far,” Minister Miles said.

“I urge Queenslanders not to travel interstate; the risks are too great. Stay in Queensland and stay safe.”

The border closure would be reviewed at the end of the month.