Restrictions To Ease A Little

April 26, 2020

Some “stay-at-home” COVID-19 precautions in Queensland are set to ease slightly from next Friday (May 1).

This follows encouraging signs Queensland is flattening the curve.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Sunday that from 11:59pm on May 1, Queenslanders will be able to leave their homes for recreation and the distance they can travel has been extended.

For example, Queenslanders will be able to enjoy some relief from stay-at-home rules and:

• Go for a drive;

• Ride a motorbike, jetski or boat for pleasure;

• Have a picnic;

• Visit a national park; and

• Shop for non-essential items

But there are three conditions that apply linked to the above:

• Social distancing and hygiene must be maintained,

• You have to stay within 50km of home, and

• Outings are limited to members of the same household or an individual and one friend

All other rules including gatherings and limits on visitors remain in place during this time.

The Premier said numbers of new infections would be watched closely and the measures reviewed after two weeks.

“The first sign of a spike we will not hesitate to clamp back,” the Premier said.

“This is a test-run to see what effect easing restrictions has on the containment of COVID-19.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to back this first step so that we can keep the virus away and help everyone start to get their lives back.”

Health Minister Steven Miles said Queensland had earned a reward for its hard work.

“We have done the right thing,” the Minister said.

“We have to keep doing it.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young supported the new measures.

“Before you couldn’t leave home unless it was for essential reasons like getting groceries or exercising or going to work and you had to stay in your suburb where possible,” Dr Young said.

“Now we are saying you can have more flexibility but remember we are still having to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski said police would “assist people to understand the new rules” but will still enforce flagrant breaches.

“Police will be understanding but this isn’t an invitation for people to undo everyone’s hard work,” he said.

The Premier said she hoped easing restrictions would mean some older Queenslanders could finally leave their homes.

“They can go for a drive to Mt Coot-tha or a national park or a beach in their region but they still have to avoid crowds,” the Premier said.

“I know this isn’t returning life to normal again but we are still in the midst of a pandemic and we still have to be careful.”

* * *

The announcement includes the re-opening of summit tracks at Mt Coolum, the Glasshouse Mountains and Mt Bartle Frere.

“We will also re-open some popular day-use areas including Danbulla National Park surrounding Lake Tinaroo and Laguna Lookout at Noosa National Park as well as Queen Mary Falls at Main Range National Park,” Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said.

“A number of popular swimming areas, barbecues and all campgrounds that are currently closed will remain closed for the safety of the public.

“For the moment, recreational areas including Bribie Island and Cooloola will remain closed to four-wheel driving, as well as the shut day-use areas on the plateau at Springbrook National Park.

“Remember there are more than 1000 National Parks and forests open or partially open in Queensland.

“Campgrounds will remain closed until the Chief Health Officer decides it’s safe to reopen and there is no fixed timeline on this at the moment.

“It’s also very important to remember that social distancing rules in these re-opened parks still apply. When you are out exercising make sure you keep at least 1.5 metres apart from anyone else.”

[UPDATED]