Queenslanders warned of stricter lockdown rules amid Delta outbreak

Queensland’s current lockdown, which has been extended by another five days, is harder and stricter than any other the state has faced. LOCKDOWN RULES EXPLAINED

Queenslanders are being urged to get up to speed on current Covid restrictions amid warnings that the current lockdown is harder, stricter and unlike any other the state has faced.

A snap three-day lockdown was extended for another five days on Monday due to an “escalating” Delta cluster that has grown to 31 cases.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: SEE BELOW

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said people needed to “look at the road map” and not assume the rules were the same as previous lockdowns.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Picture: Brad Fleet

“This lockdown is harder for a good reason,” she said.

“We’re trying to save lives.

“The number of visitors you can have in your home – zero – where you can go, what you can do ... the rules are stricter this time

“So please just don't rely on what you’ve known in the past.”

Ms D’Ath urged people to keep checking for exposure sites multiple times a day.

“If you have a booking for a vaccination, make sure you go and get that vaccination,” she said.

Ms D’Ath said anyone with the mildest of symptoms must come forward and get tested.

She also said only essential workers should be leaving their homes for work.

“This is a message for employers,” she said.

“Does you staff really need to becoming into work? Do they really need to be coming into the office?

Can they be working from home? If the answer is yes, that’s where they should be.

“The obligation is on employers as much as it is on workers.”

Covid-19 testing on the Sunshine Coast. Picture Lachie Millard

Ms D’Ath said only grocery shopping – not retail shopping – was considered essential.

Under the current lockdown, residents across 11 local government areas cannot leave home unless it is for:

• Obtaining essentials such as groceries or medications
• Essential work if you can’t work from home
• Exercise within your local area (within a 10km radius of your home, with no more than one person from outside your household)
• Healthcare, including to get a COVID-19 test or vaccination, or to provide help, care or support to a vulnerable person, or for an end-of-life visit to a hospital or aged care facility.

Meanwhile, restrictions on aged care, disability accommodation, hospital and corrective services visitors are in place for the areas under lockdown.

Anyone who has left the affected LGAS on or after 1am Saturday July 31 must follow the lockdown rules wherever they are in Queensland.

In terms of gatherings, no visitors are allowed in homes unless to provide care or support for a vulnerable person (such as paid or voluntary disability or aged care services)

Only 10 people can attend funerals and weddings, which includes those officiating the funeral or wedding.

In terms of businesses, the following cannot open:

• Restaurants and cafes – takeaway or home delivery service only
• Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, hairdressers, beauty and personal care services, gyms and places of worship.
• Schools and childcare for children of essential workers and vulnerable children only.
• Universities and TAFEs online learning only.

In terms of masks, at high schools they must be worn by teachers, staff and students that are permitted to be at school.

In primary schools, masks must be worn by teachers and staff permitted to be at the school.

In terms of the general public, a mask must be worn at all times when outside your place of residence, including on public transport and when doing non-vigorous exercise.

“You must wear a mask in indoor workplaces, even where social distancing is possible, unless one of the standard exceptions apply,” Queensland Health guidelines state.

For more information, visit the Queensland Health website or call 134 COVID (13 42 68).