COVID restrictions ease across Queensland

Restrictions are set to ease from 4pm today (8 October 2021) across Queensland - specifically South East Queensland, Palm Island and Townsville - after the state has been able to control yet another Delta incursion.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the easing of restrictions was possible because Queenslanders were doing the right thing and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others.

“This means we can increase the number of people able to gather in a home or public space and increase the number of people who can attend funerals and weddings,” the Minister said.

“I thank all Queenslanders who have been affected by the most recent restrictions for abiding by the rules because that’s what is keeping the community safe.

“Now, we are in a very privileged position and have the ability to relax these restrictions in time for the weekend.

“Once again, we faced another Delta incursion and were able to beat it, but we all need to remain vigilant because COVID is still right on our border.”

From 4pm today (Friday), restrictions will ease in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, Gold Coast, Palm Island and Townsville.

They include the following:

• Up to 100 people in homes
• Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.
• Dancing is allowed, including at weddings (indoors and outdoors), subject to the one person per 2m2 rule
• 100 per cent capacity at ticketed venues with allocated seating
• Visitors are permitted at aged care, correctional centres, hospitals and disability accommodation.

Minister D’Ath said Queensland should be incredibly pleased for how they helped to manage the latest COVID-19 incursion.

“Managing these outbreaks is not by luck or by chance. Because of the wonderful work and responsible actions of Queenslanders, this has enabled restrictions to be eased,” Minister D’Ath said.

“I want to remind residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Queensland to follow the health advice, even if they’re not currently in these areas anymore.”

Chief Health Office Dr Jeannette Young said with the easing of restrictions, there is still a requirement for mask wearing in the 11 LGAs of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer, Somerset, Logan, Redland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa and Scenic Rim.

“While you no longer have to wear masks at all times, please make sure you carry one whenever you leave your home,” Dr Young said.

“Mask wearing has been vital in Queensland’s response to the Delta variant and I believe it has helped a great deal in managing Delta incursions.

“People are still required to wear masks, in certain circumstances, when they are in one of the 11 South East Queensland LGAs.

“Mask wearing is reviewed every two weeks, so please ensure you are following this health advice.”

Mask wearing requirements:

• Carry a mask at all times in case you can’t socially distance
• You must continue to wear masks indoors unless you’re seated
• However, for hospitality venues, masks only need to be worn for entry and exit
• Masks should be worn at all times on public transport and in ride shares

Media contact: 3035 6100