The Greater Brisbane region will transition to eased restrictions after 6pm today, following a weekend lockdown enacted by the Queensland government to contain any potential spread of the highly contagious UK coronavirus strain.
The restrictions are similar to Stage 3 restrictions Queensland introduced in July last year, and will be in place at least until 1am on 22 January.
Greater Brisbane residents will be allowed to leave their homes for any purpose, but must carry a mask at all times.
Masks must be worn in indoor places including shopping centres and supermarkets, gyms, places of worship, libraries, public transport, and taxis and rideshare vehicles.
Masks must also be worn in workplaces if social distancing isn’t possible and it’s safe to do so.
However, Greater Brisbanites won’t need to wear a mask in private vehicles, while outdoors at a safe distance from other people or if they are doing strenuous exercise.
Businesses and venues in Greater Brisbane can have one person per four square metres indoors and one person per two square metres outdoors. Smaller venues of up to 200 square metres can have one person per two square metres up to a maximum of 50.
Venue patrons must be seated to eat and drink, and no dancing is allowed, except at weddings. Both weddings and funerals can have up to 100 people.
Gatherings are restricted to 20 people in homes and public spaces. Indoor concert venues and theatres can operate at 50 per cent capacity or one person per four square metres (whichever is greater), and outdoor stadiums can operate at 50 per cent capacity with COVID-safe plans.
The Queensland government’s decision to end Greater Brisbane’s lockdown comes after the state recorded no COVID cases since 6pm on Friday.
In response, the Northern Territory has revoked the status of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redland as COVID hotspots, meaning people travelling from these areas will no longer have to quarantine upon arrival.
Featured image source: iStock/swissmediavision
