August 18, 2021
Some COVID-19 restrictions in 11 south-east Queensland council areas – including Somerset – are easing earlier than planned.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Wednesday that “thanks to the good work of Queenslanders in containing the Delta outbreak” some restrictions – including a ban on community sport – will ease from 4:00pm on Friday.
However, the requirement for school students to wear masks in a classroom in the 11 LGAs would be extended for a week from Friday.
“We faced a very tough test in the past month with the Indooroopilly cluster and two cases in Cairns,” the Premier said.
“I have no doubt that the restrictions put in place saved lives. But we are now in the fortunate position of being able to wind back these restrictions so people can resume a life as normal as possible.”
From 4:00pm Friday, restrictions will ease in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer, Somerset, Logan, Redland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa and Scenic Rim.
They include allowing:
- Up to 30 people in homes and public spaces
- Up to 100 attendees at weddings, with a maximum of 20 people dancing
- Up to 100 attendees at funerals
- Community sport, with reduced spectators and in line with density requirements
- 75 per cent ticketed and allocated seating capacity for stadiums, indoor and outdoor events.
Restrictions put in place in the Cairns and Yarrabah local government areas following two cases will also be lifted to match those in the rest of the State.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said south-east Queensland had done well to prevent a COVID-19 crisis.
“The Indooroopilly cluster has reached 144 cases but it could have been far worse had we not taken such swift, decisive action,” she said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said there would also be an easing in the requirements for wearing masks in the 11 Council areas, except in schools.
“While you no longer have to wear a mask at all times, you are still required to carry one with you when you leave home,” Dr Young said.
“You must wear it indoors – places like shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets, hospitals and aged care facilities – or if you are outside and unable to physically distance.
“Face masks have played a big part in our ability to contain the latest clusters. A mask is a simple weapon against a complex virus.”
