Greater Brisbane’s strict lockdown will end at 6pm tonight but health officials say some “sensible precautions” will remain in place for the hotspot location – and visitors are still banned from aged care facilities.
Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk said restrictions would remain “in the Greater Brisbane hotspot, and for people who have been in the Greater Brisbane hotspot since January 2, for a further 10 days.”
Under the new guidelines announced by the Premier today, until 1am, Friday January 22:
MASKS
- Must be worn in indoor places including shopping centres and supermarkets, gyms, workplaces where people cannot socially distance and where it is safe, places of worship, libraries, public transport, taxis and ride share vehicles
- Must be carried at all times
- Are not required to be worn when outdoors at a safe distance from other people (for example, walking a dog), in private vehicles or doing strenuous exercise
BUSINESSES AND VENUES
- Indoors: 1 person per 4 sqm
- Outdoors: 1 person per 2 sqm
- Seated eating and drinking only
- Smaller venues up to 200 sqm: 1 person per 2sqm up to a maximum of 50
- No dancing except for weddings
GATHERINGS
- Up to 20 in homes and public spaces
- Weddings: up to 100. No restriction on dancing
- Funerals: up to 100
- Indoor concert venues or theatres: 50% capacity or 1 person per 4 sqm whichever is greater
- Outdoor stadiums: 50% capacity with COVID-safe plans
Ms Palaszczuk said restrictions on visits to hospitals, aged care, disability accommodation and prisons would also remain.
“The evidence tells us the lockdown has done its job,” the Premier said.
“Dr Young has asked for these further 10 days of measures in the Greater Brisbane area.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry and it’s better to be sure.”
Queensland Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath said this was the first step in easing out of the lockdown restrictions.
“We must not get complacent,” Minister D’Ath said.
“This decision was not made lightly. We know this new variant is much more contagious, which is why it is so important we continue to have some restrictions in place for a short period of time.
“We must remember why we are doing this – to protect ourselves, and the people around us, especially those most vulnerable.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the measures mirror those in other states.
“The pandemic is still with us,” Dr Young said.
“We have achieved so much this past weekend. It’s important we come out of it carefully and sensibly.”
