Coronavirus: Up to 10,000 allowed in stadiums from next weekend
Thousands more Queensland sports fans will be able to head to a game from next weekend, with stadiums allowed to admit 25 per cent of their maximum crowd.
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AS many as 10,000 rugby league fans will be able to head out to a game from next weekend with the State Government today expanding the number of people allowed in stadiums.
Health Minister and Deputy Premier Steven Miles today said from next weekend, stadiums could boost their capacity to 25 per cent of their usual crowd.
It comes as the Brisbane Broncos prepare to take on the Gold Coast Titans in a Queensland derby next weekend.
Mr Miles, who said there were no new cases of coronavirus in Queensland overnight and the number of active cases remained at three, said the opening of stadiums this weekend had worked well.
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“Since we went to stage 2 restrictions we’ve had just eight cases in almost three weeks and none of those are believed to be locally acquired. They had all travelled interstate or overseas,” Mr Miles said.
“The trial of a small number of spectators has been very successful. It worked very well. And so the only thing better than having fans back at the football is having more fans back at the football.
“And that’s what we can announce today. Beginning next weekend, our stadiums will be allowed to have up to 25 per cent of their usual crowd capacity, up to that cap of 10,000.
“Queenslanders have earned this reward ... “
Community sport is also getting a boost with all participants allowed back into community clubs when stage three restrictions begin.
However, a spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne has prompted Queensland’s health department to broaden the number of high-risk areas that force people into mandatory quarantine when returning from Victoria.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says the hot spots now include all 31 Local Government Areas in Greater Melbourne, as well as bordering areas of Murrindindi, Mitchell, Moorabool, Macedon Ranges and Greater Geelong.
The declaration comes as Victoria has recorded several straight days of double-digit cases and now has more than 100 active cases across the state. Queensland has just three active cases.
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has called for the border to open from July 1.
Ms Frecklington says there is no medical advice calling for border closures and the economy can no longer be suppressed when there are just three active cases across Queensland.
“I’m deeply concerned about people’s health and well being ... people are losing their jobs. The figures are terrifying,” Ms Frecklington said today.
“We have flattened the curve. Now it’s time to reopen the economy.”
Queensland borders, which have been effectively shut since late March to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are scheduled to reopen on July 10.
Broncos chief executive Paul White has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision. “I can’t wait to see Broncos members and fans back out there again cheering on their team,” Mr White said.
“The members are at the heart of the Broncos and we can’t wait to welcome them back to our home games, starting with the derby against the Titans on Saturday.”
Hopeful Broncos members filled out a nomination form that was due on Saturday night for a chance to attend this weekend’s clash.
A spokesman from the Brisbane Lions said they welcome the ease of restrictions and will work with the AFL and The Gabba to adhere to COVID guidelines with hopes to increase crowd numbers.
Community sport will also receive a boost with all participants allowed back into community sport clubs when stage three restrictions begin.