Annastacia Palaszczuk says NRL Grand Final has no influence on Covid approach
The Premier has rubbished claims that the NRL Grand Final is behind her decision not to plunge the southeast into lockdown despite many Queenslanders convinced that is the case. VOTE IN OUR POLL
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Annastacia Palaszczuk has dismissed claims Sunday’s once-in-a-generation NRL Grand Final is keeping her from declaring a snap lockdown across South East Queensland.
Those claims have been met with anger from Queenslanders, with some claiming they are being “treated like idiots”.
With the state avoiding a lockdown for the third day, Ms Palaszczuk faced questions whether her wait-and-see approach was to ensure the final could be held at Suncorp Stadium.
“That’s not correct,” she said.
“Let me make it very clear that the health of Queenslanders comes first and as soon as Dr Young says we need to move into lockdown, we will.”
When asked what influence the NRL Grand Final – played between the Panthers and Rabbitohs on Sunday evening – had on her Covid-19 response, Ms Palaszczuk replied; “absolutely none”.
She said the 39,000 people permitted to watch the game at Suncorp Stadium under the new 75 per cent capacity limit would be wearing masks.
Ms Palaszczuk said she “might” attend the grand final but declared it “depends on the situation that we’re in”.
Michelle Karen Meester said it was “clear as day” why a lockdown was yet to be announced.
“Why treat us like idiots – it’s as clear as day the real reason why you are not locking us down – despite every previous time locking us down with the lowest case numbers,” she said.
“ Hopefully we don’t end up in the same dilemma as NSW and Vic.”
“I hate lockdowns as much as the next person, but would rather put up with it for a week instead of months on end.”
Kandis Irvine said it was “funny” how there was no lockdown announced with the Grand Final weekend so soon.
“Funny how the grand final is this weekend and everything is still going ahead,” she said.
Ms Irvine said with 11 locally acquired cases over the past three days, if the game wasn’t set for Suncorp Stadium the Premier would have “locked us down for sure by now”.
Ms Palaszczuk has also been accused of putting the grand final before the health of Queenslanders.
“That’s why you’re only allowed to have 30 people in your home so we can still have a grand final and everyone can get together,” Will Jensen said.
“Then you’re going to have a big massive spread (...) like New South Wales (and) Victoria when you don’t shut it down now, so enjoy the grand final, enjoy your big event and don’t worry about the health of Queenslanders.”
Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said she had not recommended the government go into a snap lockdown this week and said the league could go ahead because peoples’ movements were controlled.
“They’re ticketed, seated, so you know exactly where each person is – they’ve got masks on when they’re not seated,” she said.
“So we know that the risk is when they stand up and then mingle to leave and enter the stadium.
“And it’s not just for stadiums, it’s for cinemas, it’s for any indoor event, where you’ve got tickets and seats, the same process that we’ve always done.”
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