December 15, 2021
The State Government has appealed to disgruntled residents to show respect for workers when the Proof Of Vaccination changes come into force on Friday.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said pubs, clubs and cafes will be required to take all reasonable steps to comply with the Public Health and Social Measures Direction.
“That means hospitality and entertainment venues will be asking customers for proof of vaccination as they enter the premises or when they order,” Minister D’Ath said.
“I appreciate the commitment of many businesses that have gone above and beyond to assist Queensland’s response to COVID-19 – and now it’s our turn to support those business and their staff.
“Their actions have contributed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community and allowed Queensland to reopen its borders and relax restrictions on businesses.”
Small Business Minister Di Farmer said the “Be Kind At Check In Time” campaign would run throughout the State over the next four weeks.
“We’re taking to the airwaves, newsfeeds and shopfronts with a simple message – Be Kind,” Minister Farmer said.
“Small businesses have really borne the brunt of COVID-19 restrictions and Friday will be such a special day to be at full capacity with fully vaccinated patrons and staff.
“When you are asked to show proof of vaccination, please remember that businesses owners and staff are simply doing their job.
“This is how we live with the virus on our terms and without closing businesses.”
Minister Farmer said aggressive and abusive behaviour was completely unacceptable.
“If businesses come across a non-compliant customer who refuses to the leave the premises, they should contact the Queensland Police,” Minister Farmer said.
“If you are anti-vaccination, that is your choice, but it does not give you the right to abuse those working hard to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Clear signage will indicate a venue’s vaccination requirements at the point of entry and service.
Penalties will apply for those people who do not comply, including $1378 fines.
There are a range of materials available to help businesses implement the new public health measures, including signs, Q&As and information on the Business Queensland website
More than 2000 businesses have already accessed TAFE Queensland’s free online course to help them understand the new measures and manage the entry of customers, including checking their vaccination status.
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Six new COVID-19 cases were announced in Queensland on Wednesday, including two possible cases of Omicron linked to the Newcastle nightclub “super spreader” event.
New contact tracing locations have been added to the Queensland Health website
Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said the situation facing Queensland after the easing of border restrictions was “exactly what we expected”, and the number of infections would increase over coming days and weeks.
He said eliminating risk was no longer possible, with Omicron expected to spread over the next few months.
However, slowing the rate of transmission was important as it would ease the load on Queensland hospitals.
There were 1405 new cases announced in Victoria on Wednesday; and 1360 in NSW.
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