Funeral restrictions eased as Queensland records another zero day

Up to 100 people can now attend funerals in Queensland as the government moves to further ease restrictions.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the revised direction on funerals takes effect tomorrow (16 June). Under the current public health direction, the maximum number allowed is 50.

“I sincerely hope that lifting the number of people allowed at funerals from 50 to 100 will provide some level of comfort for people in mourning,” Mr Miles said.

“This has been an incredibly tough time for everyone, let alone those grieving the loss of a loved one. This latest easing of restrictions is yet another indication of how well Queenslanders have responded to our directions and advice.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said limiting attendances at funerals was the most difficult direction she had to impose.

“There have been occasions where I have had to decline exemptions because of the COVID-19 risk,” she said.

“These are tough, heart-wrenching decisions to make but they’ve unfortunately been necessary to prevent transmission of this disease, particularly among gatherings that include a lot of vulnerable people.

“I’m relieved that we have contained COVID-19 to the point where we can begin lifting limitations on important events like funerals.

She said funeral organisers needed to keep were a record of attendees for eight weeks in case contact tracing was necessary at a later date.

Dr Young said weddings remained capped at 20 guests because they could be postponed, unlike funerals.  Note up to 100 people can attend a wedding if the wedding venue opts into the relevant industry safe plan.

The 100 attendees only applies to funerals, it does not apply to wakes. Wakes are considered a gathering and therefore are subject to the relevant requirements for the venue.

Queensland’s COVID-19 tally remained at 1,065 yesterday, with no new cases recorded. There are just five active cases across the state.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903