A swathe of Queensland has re-entered lockdown. These are the new rules

Eleven local government areas in south-east Queensland have plunged into a three-day lockdown after an outbreak connected to a Brisbane high school student expanded by six.

Queenslanders are being urged to get tested and to regularly monitor the list of exposure sites.

Queenslanders are being urged to get tested and to regularly monitor the list of exposure sites. Source: AAP

The rules kicked in at 4pm on Saturday and are set to last until at least 4pm on Tuesday, 3 August.

Queensland's chief health officer, Dr Jeanette Young, said the new restrictions are among the toughest the state has seen yet. 

"This is one of the most restrictive lockdowns we've had since the start of the pandemic," she told reporters on Saturday.

Here's what you need to know about the lockdown.

Which LGAs are under lockdown?

Eleven local government areas that had been subject to mask-wearing rules are now subject to the stay-at-home orders. 

The LGAs affected include Brisbane City, Moreton Bay Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and the Sunshine Coast.

What can I leave home for?

The five reasons you can leave home include: 

  • obtaining essential goods or services, including healthcare
  • exercise 
  • attending essential work or school, and childcare for the children of essential workers or vulnerable children
  • assisting vulnerable persons
  • obtaining a COVID-19 test or vaccination
A 10-kilometre limit on how far you can travel from home has also been imposed.

There is a ban on household visitors, excluding people providing support to a vulnerable person.

Outdoor exercise can be conducted with those you live with and/or one other person outside of your household bubble.

What are the rules on masks?

Masks must be worn at all times outside the home, including when exercising, and also in indoor settings such as supermarkets and workplaces for essential workers. 

For the first time, masks are mandatory in high schools - both for students and staff. In primary schools, staff are required to wear masks.  

There are exemptions to wearing masks for children under 12 and those with certain medical conditions.

Masks may be removed when eating or drinking in the workplace.

What are the restrictions on business?

Childcare centres remain open for the children of essential workers.

Restaurants and cafes have to revert to take-away or home delivery services only. 

Non-essential businesses must shut down, including gyms, places of worship, entertainment and recreation venues, cinemas, beauty and personal care services.

What about funerals, weddings and aged care home visits?

A limit of 10 people will apply to funerals and weddings. The cap includes the wedding celebrant and the couple. 

No personal visitors are allowed at aged care, hospitals, disability care and correctional facilities. Staff at these facilities must wear masks.

There is an exception for people who are visiting their loved ones who are at the end of life.


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3 min read
Published 31 July 2021 3:53pm
Updated 31 July 2021 4:14pm
By Biwa Kwan
Source: SBS News

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