Premier eases COVID-19 restrictions for Queensland

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will reopen to 20 people from tomorrow and Queenslanders will be able to travel freely throughout the state as the Government accelerates the easing of tough coronavirus restrictions. There’s also good news for other venues including gyms and churches.

PUBS, restaurants and cafes will reopen to 20 people from tomorrow and Queenslanders will be able to travel freely throughout the state as the Government accelerates the easing of tough coronavirus restrictions.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced that intrastate travel throughout all of Queensland would be allowed from midday tomorrow as she held firm that the state’s borders would remain closed.

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Gyms, cinemas, places of worship, libraries, museums and art galleries will also be allowed to have up to 20 people from tomorrow.

From Friday, some venues will be allowed to hold more than 20 people if they submit COVID-Safe plans and have sufficient room to house at least one person per four square metres.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk making the announcement today. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

It will mean that restaurants and pubs with multiple seating areas will be allowed to seat at least 20 people in each of those areas.

The same restrictions will also apply to gyms, museums, art galleries, churches and other public facilities if they can provide a COVID-safe plan by the end of the week.

The Premier said the resumption of intrastate travel would go a long way toward giving the tourism industry a boost.

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“I encourage Queenslanders to take advantage of the easing of rules around intrastate travel,” she said.

She described the intrastate travel freedom as a “Queensland bubble” that was “opening up Queensland for Queenslanders”.

We're opening Queensland for Queenslanders. Here’s a quick guide to what’s changing from tomorrow at noon. https://t.co/SqGYiangpX #covid19 #qldjobs pic.twitter.com/Qqn3DAI9pi

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) May 31, 2020

She praised the “remarkable” and “tremendous” work residents have done in adhering to the rules so far.

“The only reason we are able to move forward with our planned Stage Two ahead of the original June 12 date is because Queenslanders have listened to the advice, acted on that advice and done an outstanding job of helping to smash the COVID-19 curve,” she said.

“From the Gold Coast to Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast to Gympie to Maryborough to Bundaberg, from Longreach to Mt Isa, to Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, Queenslanders will now be able to rediscover their state, travelling for as many nights as they like.”

Travel into restricted zones for Indigenous communities and those restricted by the Biosecurity Act is still not allowed.

Health Minister Steven Miles urged venues to keep adhering to strict social distancing rules when they reopen to more customers.

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles addressing media about Stage 2 today. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

“With a COVID safe industry plan, venues with more space will be able to go further and allow up to 20 people in each separate area, seated for meals or drinks,” he said.

“For example, some surf clubs, pubs and RSLs may have four or five defined separate indoor and outdoor areas – they can have 20 people in each of these areas if the areas are big enough.”

Mr Miles said a drink out would be a bit different for some patrons, with bar service to be still be banned.

He said customers will instead have to sit at a table and waiters will bring over their drink.

Authorities will be enforcing the relaxed restrictions to ensure venues comply, with fines to apply to those who break the rules.

Ms Palaszczuk said today’s announcement would mean a lot to the tourism industry especially.

“This is tremendous news,” she said, as she encouraged the accommodation sector to have their COVID safe plans in place.

“This is the boost you need,” she said.

She went on to encourage Queenslanders to support the tourism industry by planning a school holiday getaway.

“The best way families can support our multibillion-dollar tourism industry this year is for the school holidays … there’s no better time to hop in the car … and go for that once in a lifetime trip around Queensland,” she said.

“This is Queensland backing Queenslanders.”

Speaking of the larger gatherings being allowed, the Premier said: “I know this means a lot to families out there. A lot of families haven’t seen each other … this is excellent news.”

Today’s announcements came as the Government said there were no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Queensland.

There are currently five active cases in the state.

The Sunshine State has recorded 1058 cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths from the virus.

STAGE TWO: WHAT’S ALLOWED FROM NOON JUNE 1:

COMMUNITY

– Unlimited travel and stays within Qld, including camping

– 20 visitors to your house

– Gatherings of up to 20 people at one time in public spaces and at weddings, parks, outdoor gyms, hiking, personal training, playgrounds

– Up to 20 people at gyms, pools, libraries, places of worship, museums, art galleries, historic sites, health clubs, yoga studios and for non-contact indoor and outdoor community sport (approved COVID SAFE plan permitting)

– Gatherings of up to 50 at funerals

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

– Up to 20 people permitted at a time at indoor cinemas, open homes, auctions, zoos, arcades, concert venues, theatres, arenas, stadium, beauty therapy, nail salons, tanning, tattoo parlours and spas (approved COVID SAFE plan permitting)

– The opening of tourism accommodation and retail shopping