Queenslanders urged to play it safe this weekend

Ahead of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions easing over the weekend, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Health Minister Steven Miles have urged Queenslanders not to take it too far.

From 12.01am tomorrow, Queenslanders will be able to leave their homes for some recreational purposes within 50km of their house.

The Premier asked Queenslanders to follow the rules, so they could stay in place.

“Queenslanders have done so well and should be proud that their hard work is flattening the curve,” the Premier said.

“We’ve been able to relax some restrictions, but we will be watching the number of cases closely.

“The first sign of a spike we will not hesitate to clamp back.

“I’m asking all Queenslanders to enjoy the relaxation, but continue to follow the rules.” 

Health Minister Steven Miles said Queensland had earned a reward for its hard work.

“This weekend you can go for a picnic, ride a motorbike, go fishing or shopping, as long as it is within a 50km radius of your house and you continue to follow social distancing including only going out with your household or one other person, ” Mr Miles said.

“We still don’t want to see people congregating in big groups that could cause a cluster of cases in two weeks’ time.

“We all have to continue to work together, so we can keep this virus at bay.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the progress that had been made across the state so far could easily be undone by complacent behaviour.

”I am very pleased with how Queensland has responded to the call for social distancing and home confinement, so that we can control the spread of COVID-19.

“But we are not out of the pandemic.

COVID-19 remains very real and very present, and I urge everyone enjoying the loosened restrictions to do so responsibly and with common sense.”

From 12.01am on 2 May 2020 a person who resides in Queensland can leave their house for recreation including:

• having a picnic in a park or public space that remains open
• driving a motor vehicle, including for a learner driver to accumulate driving hours
• riding a motorcycle
• Boating, jet skiing, or other forms of personalised transport; and 
• shopping for non-essential items at a place permitted to remain open

The following three rules must apply to the above actives:

• it must be within a 50km radius of the person’s principal place of residence.
• A person can only be accompanied by members of their household or, alternatively, by no more than one person who is not a member of their household.
• Social distancing must be maintained

All other rules including gatherings and limits on visitors remain in place during this time.

The full direction can be accessed here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/home-confinement-movement-gathering-direction

ENDS 

Media contact: 

Chris Taylor 0400 990 162