Queensland is said to change the travel restrictions in the state despite an increase in new Covid cases and criticism, the new requirements are “pointless” in states with large outbreaks.

Starting Friday, December 31st at 11:59 p.m., travelers entering Queensland must return a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result instead of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel.

The change in rules comes as the state recorded 3,118 new cases overnight, with the number of active infections rising to 11,697.

Evidence of a negative test result must be uploaded to the Queensland Health website when applying for a border pass, with the applicant providing a statement that the information is correct.

However, the change raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the test results because, unlike PCR testing, the tests are not performed by trained professionals or analyzed and reported by a central authority.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Wednesday that as of January, those caught lying about a RAT result in her border declaration will face a heavy fine.

“When you are intercepted at the airport, the following questions arise: When did you take the test, where was it, at what time? I ask everyone to abide by the requirements of the declaration and if they are found to be making a manifestly false declaration they will be fined heavily, ”said Commissioner Carroll.

A Queensland Police Department spokesman said officers would conduct random compliance checks on travelers, although not all will be stopped if they enter the state by road or air.

“Officers can ask questions about your test – like when it was taken and see evidence of the test,” they said.

A similar system was in operation in other jurisdictions such as South Australia until Prime Minister Steven Marshall announced on Friday that all border requirements for interstate travel to the state would be removed “with immediate effect.”

“It will no longer be necessary for people crossing the border to have a rapid antigen test before entering South Australia,” said Marshall.

“This was discussed in the Covid Ready Committee this morning. It has not been a good use of our resources at the moment, so the immigration control requirement has been removed. The requirement for a rapid antigen test has been deleted. “

The Vice President of the Australian Medical Association, Dr. Chris Moy said at this stage of the pandemic travel requirements such as Queensland “made no sense in a situation where there are so few RAT tests that could be better used”.

“It’s pointless unless you go to a place that has very little or no Covid, like WA or NT, where you have a more vulnerable population and relatively low numbers,” Moy said. “In an ideal world, anyone coming from New South Wales would be tested before they travel.”

In situations where the tests were still useful, Moy said governments had no choice but to rely on the “honor system”, although a “small minority” might lie about their results, it is not a system for reviewing the results Give RAT results.

“We don’t have a strategy for implementing RAT tests or clear instructions on how to use them,” said Moy. “The problem is, you need a strategy that takes into account access, equity, and clear instructions at the time [use a rapid antigen test] and when they have the greatest benefit in terms of reducing a person’s risk of passing it on to others. “

“These things are not set up. But at the end of the day you’re still trying to get people to do the right thing. “