January 8, 2021
A snap three-day lockdown of the Greater Brisbane area was announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Friday morning.
This follows confirmation on Thursday that the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19 has been detected in a hotel worker.
From 6:00pm on Friday until 6:00pm on Monday, people in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will be required to stay at home except for:
- Essential work and education (if they can’t work from home).
- To buy essentials such as groceries and medicine within their local area. Hairdressers and nail salons will be closed.
- Caring or supporting a vulnerable person.
- Exercising in their neighbourhood (with no more than one person from the household).
As well:
- Masks must be worn everywhere in these local government areas, except if people are at home. This includes workplaces and public transport. Children under 12 are exempt.
- Cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open for take-away service only.
- Funerals are restricted to 20 guests and weddings restricted to 10 (no dancing or singing).
- There is a limit of two visitors in homes.
- Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, gyms and places of worship must stay closed.
- All businesses that can remain open must adhere to one person per 4 square metres (with maximum of 20 to 50 with COVID Safe or Industry Plan)
- No visitors to aged care facilities, hospitals, disability accommodation services or correctional facilities.
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How This Affects The South Burnett
- People can enter Greater Brisbane during this period but are bound by the same restrictions. Where possible, people have been encouraged to delay travel.
- People can enter Greater Brisbane to attain health care.
- People should not leave Greater Brisbane during this period.
- Non-residents currently in Greater Brisbane are strongly encouraged to remain until the end of the restriction period.
- Anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 must self-isolate for these three days.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there were no second chances with the pandemic.
“That’s why I’m asking people to have a long weekend at home,” she said.
“We have learned from Victoria, South Australia and NSW that a short, sharp lockdown is better than a long one and this a more contagious strain.
“Three days is better than 30.”
The Premier said she once again called on Queenslanders to protect each other.
“All we can do is stay home and stay safe and please get tested,” the Premier said.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said extra testing clinics with more staff had been opened.
“We want to see as many people tested as possible and people stay home and stay safe,” the Minister said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said it was essential to stop people moving through the community.
“We know that to stop the spread of the virus we have to stop the movement of people and test, test, test,” Dr Young said.
“Queenslanders have done a tremendous job of containing this virus for so long- we just have to keep it up.”
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Queensland Health has urged Brisbane residents to avoid panic buying as supermarkets and essential businesses would remain open during the Greater Brisbane area lockdown.
A spokesperson said there were no concerns that supermarket supplies were at risk during this three-day period.
Shoppers attending supermarkets, particularly during busy periods, were reminded to practice social distancing and hand hygiene, wear a mask and follow all health advice.
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On Friday evening, Queensland Health clarified the transit restrictions in place from 6:00pm.
People are able to leave the Greater Brisbane area for essential reasons during the lockdown period but must continue to follow the lockdown rules.
They may leave for essential reasons or to return home, but must also remain at their residence and limit their movements until the lockdown period has ended.
Queensland Health is asking anyone who was in Greater Brisbane on or since January 2 to follow the same lockdown rules where they are now. Only leave your home for the essential reasons and wear a mask.
Additionally, those who transit into Greater Brisbane from surrounding areas for work, volunteering, study, healthcare or to support a vulnerable person may do so if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely.
These individuals must also follow the lockdown rules during this period, as they have been exposed to the Greater Brisbane community.
People can transit through Greater Brisbane without stopping.
- Related article: COVID Health Alert Issued
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