Greater Brisbane lockdown ends; some restrictions remain to keep Queensland safe

Greater Brisbane’s lockdown ended at 12 noon today.

Thanks to the cooperation and sacrifices of so many, all Queenslanders can now celebrate Easter with family and loved ones. 

Importantly, a number of restrictions will be put in place for all Queenslanders to protect against further transmission of COVID-19 for the next two weeks.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the three-day Greater Brisbane lockdown had proven successful in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland.

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this mighty team effort,” the Premier said.

“I particularly want to thank businesses and their staff who have all made sacrifices to make this lockdown so effective.

“I know we’re all looking forward to Easter however it is still so important that all Queenslanders continue doing the right thing and adhering to the remaining restrictions.

“Easter is good to go.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, should still get tested immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result.

“Residents in Greater Brisbane have done such a magnificent job during this lockdown period. It is important that people keep getting tested over this Easter long weekend as we move about and interact with friends and family.

“It is also critical that everyone is sure to check in wherever you go, and give accurate details. This allows our contact tracing teams to really quickly identify those who may be affected by a new case.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath thanked Queenslanders for adhering to health directions.

“Everyone did their bit and that means we can come out of lockdown,” the Minister said.

“There will still be some very important measures in place to give us the best chance at staying open.”

Remaining restrictions for all of Queensland

From 12 noon Thursday 1 April to 12 noon Thursday 15 April 2021 all Queenslanders will be required to adhere to the following restrictions to protect against the ongoing threat of COVID19:

1. Queenslanders must carry a face mask at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in all indoor spaces, such as:

• shopping centres and supermarkets
• hospitality venues eg clubs, pubs etc
• hospitals and aged care facilities
• indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
• public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport
• airports and travelling on planes.

Masks do not need to be work in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so. Masks do not need to be worn indoors when strenuously exercising unless you cannot socially distance.

2. Businesses will need to adhere to the one person per two square metre rule

3. Restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs are able to open for indoor eating and drinking whilst seated and outdoor eating and drinking whilst standing. Outdoor dancing is permitted.

4. Gatherings will be restricted to 30 people in homes. Up to 500 people can gather outside in public        spaces

5. Outdoor events with more than 500 people can proceed with a COVID safe plan. Masks must be worn if social distancing is not possible

6. Restrictions on aged care, hospitals, disability care and correctional facilities will apply with no personal visitors allowed during this period except for end-of-life visits.

7. Church services will be allowed 100 per cent occupancy with ticketed and allocated seating or they must adhere to the one per two square metre rule

For more information visit https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Philip - 0407 675 008