COVID restrictions ease further

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the further easing of COVID restrictions.

As of 1am, Thursday April 14, most venues that have been open only to vaccinated staff and patrons will be open to all.

The venues include:

• Pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants
• Theme parks, casinos and cinemas
• Weddings
• Showgrounds
• Galleries, libraries, museums and stadiums

The requirement for vaccinations will still apply to in vulnerable settings including:

• Hospitals
• Aged and disability care
• Prisons
• Schools and early childhood centres

The Premier said the settings have achieved their purpose: slowing the spread of COVID.

“More than 90 per cent of Queenslanders 12 and over have been fully vaccinated,” the Premier said.

“The Chief Health Officer advises we can now safely ease these settings and still maintain a high level of protection.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said businesses and patrons are being given plenty of notice.

“These measures have done their job,” the Minister said. 

“By April 14, it is anticipated we will be at a stage of the current wave where we are comfortable to take this next step.

“But the best defence against serious illness is to be fully vaccinated.

“Our focus is now very much on getting Queenslanders boosted and children vaccinated.”

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard appealed particularly to parents of young children to consider getting vaccinated.

“Numbers of young Queensland children vaccinated are still not where they should be,” Dr Gerrard said.

“Their best protection is the vaccine and I would encourage every parent to consider it.”

Pop up vaccine hubs will open at around 50 sites including schools across the holidays, in addition to existing sites.

Queenslanders are reminded that masks can be worn when people feel it necessary to reduce risk.

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008