Queensland authorities have lifted the snap lockdown of greater Brisbane from noon on Thursday. People are now free to leave their homes for any reason, but some restrictions remain in place and have been expanded across Queensland – including the most remote parts of the state, where there have been no cases.
The Queensland-wide restrictions are in place from 1 April and will likely remain until 15 April. So what will the Easter public holiday long weekend look like in Queensland?
Do you need to wear a face mask?
People must carry a face mask at all times outside of the home, unless they have a lawful reason not to, such as a medical condition.
Face masks must be worn in indoor public spaces including supermarkets, shopping centres, workplaces, libraries and on public transport. They must be worn in restaurants and cafes, but once seated, they can be removed.
Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a mask.
What are the limits on gatherings and events?
Household gatherings are limited to 30 people, including those who live at the property. Public outdoor gatherings up to 500 people are allowed.
Outdoor events and Easter church services can proceed if they have appropriate Covidsafe plans in place.
Are businesses open?
Businesses in greater Brisbane can reopen. Patrons visiting food and beverage venues must remain seated. No standing or dancing is permitted.
Health authorities are also reminding patrons to always check-in.
Aged care facilities
Aged care facilities, disability care facilities, hospitals and prisons will remain locked down, which means no visitors are allowed over the Easter break.
Can you travel anywhere?
There are no restrictions on travel within Queensland, however some states and territories have declared the greater Brisbane or the whole state a hotspot. Check the latest restrictions on travelling interstate from Queensland here.
Why do the restrictions apply to the whole state?
Now that Brisbane residents are free to travel, the restrictions have been expanded to the whole state.
Chief health officer Jeanette Young said those statewide restrictions, including bans on people visiting aged care facilities over Easter, were required “[because of] what happened in Victoria”.
“We know you can just have one case going to an aged care facility – one case – and if they’re asymptomatic and you don’t know that they’re unwell … and you let that one case in, they can infect nearly all those residents, and we can see very high death rates.”
What if you have visited a potential exposure site?
Queensland contact tracers are maintaining a list of potential exposure sites where people who have tested positive to Covid-19 have visited. More than 70 places have been listed so far. Check the full list here.
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