Premier calls for culture change as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has pleaded for a cultural change among Queenslanders as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, saying it’s up to everybody to make these changes for the good of public health.

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has pleaded for a cultural change around how people treat sickness, saying it is no longer acceptable to go to work, out for a meal or to see friends and family unless you’re 100 per cent well.

As people emerged from lockdown this weekend with the further easing of restrictions, the Premier said it was imperative sick people stayed home to protect those venturing out.

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Ms Palaszczuk said it was up to everybody to follow the key public health directive, saying it was “just not acceptable” to take the risk.

“Even if you are thinking about going out and celebrating a birthday, if you are feeling unwell, you should not go, you should stay at home,” she said.

“If you’re a small business operator and you are unwell, you have to stay at home, and likewise the workers.

“If you are working anywhere in Queensland and you are feeling unwell, please stay at home.

“It is honestly, it’s not worth the risk.”

The Premier’s comments follow the case of a Rockhampton nurse who went to work at an aged care facility despite having COVID-19 symptoms, including after she had a test for the highly infectious virus.

“And look what we’ve seen with the person turning up to work sick, and turning up to work after having been tested as well,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It’s just not acceptable.”

Queensland’s testing criteria has been expanded so that anyone in the state who has a fever, or acute respiratory symptoms can get tested.

People who are unwell and meet the criteria are asked to visit their doctor immediately and call ahead to discuss symptoms before their appointment.