General News
8 May, 2020
Premier announces reopening of Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has just announced that Queensland will gradually reopen from Saturday, May 16
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has just announced that Queensland will gradually reopen from Saturday, May 16, with cafes, restaurants, nail and beauty salons allowed to reopen subject to conditions.
The latest lifting of restrictions across Queensland follows this afternoons announcement by PM Scott Morrison and his three-stage plan to restart the Australian economy.
During his announcement, the PM said that States would get the final say on what measures might be eased.
Stage One, effective from 11.59pm, Friday, May 15, the following will be allowed:
Gatherings of a maximum of 10 people together in a public space
Dining in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSLs and cafes for a maximum of 10 patrons at one time as part of a gradual re-opening (no bars or gaming)
Recreational travel of a radius of up to 150km from your home for day trips
Some beauty therapies and nail salons for up to 10 people at one time
Re-opening of libraries, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms (a maximum of 10 at one time)
Wedding guests increased to 10 people and funeral attendance increased to 20 (30 outdoors)
Open homes and auctions with a maximum of 10 people at one time;
Re-opening public pools and lagoons (eg Cairns Lagoon) with a maximum of 10 people at a time or greater numbers with an approved plan
For Outback Queensland, where there have been no COVID cases, two special concessions have been made:
Dining in at pubs and cafes will be up to 20 for locals only, reflecting the important role these venues play in connecting small outback communities; and
Recreational travel of a radius of up to 500 kilometres reflecting the long distances in the Outback.
As part of the lifting of restrictions, businesses must have a COVID-safe plan in place.
Stage Two, effective 11.59pm, Friday, June 12 would provide for:
Gatherings at homes with a maximum of 20 visitors
Dining in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes and RSLs for up to 20 patrons at a time and an option for more with an approved COVID-safe plan
Holiday travel within your region
The Queensland Governments roadmap to easing restrictions.
Stage three of the State Government’s plan, which is planned to come into effect on July 10, would see a maximum of 100 people allowed at a range of public gatherings as well as a review of border closures.
This includes weddings, funerals, sporting clubs, places of worship, museums, art galleries, open homes and auctions.
The latest announcement comes only 24 hours after the premier announced some slight lifting of restrictions just in time for Mother’s Day.
From Sunday, May 10 Queenslanders are allowed to have up to five members from one household visit another home.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the easing of restrictions was happening because "Queensland has been doing such a great job".
"I really want to thank Queenslanders for a great job that they have been doing right across our state and I think this is going to be welcomed by families, especially on Mother's Day," Ms Palaszczuk said.
