Premier declares mask mandatory for tonight’s State of Origin game

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned ‘if you’re sick, stay home’ as she confirmed masks will be required to attend tonight’s State of Origin clash. Masks will be available on arrival.

Masks must be worn at tonight’s State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium, the Premier has confirmed.

Annastacia Palaszczuk took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon, announcing there would be “special measures” in place for Game 2 given the increased risk of COVID-19 in the state, after a fourth case – a woman connected to the Northern Territory miner who caught the virus in Brisbane quarantine – was confirmed about 5.15pm.

“Masks must be worn on arrival to Suncorp Stadium and especially on exit,” she said.

“The only time you don’t need a mask is when you are seated.

“Masks will be available on arrival.

“Please check in using the Check In Qld app.

Masks will be required for game II of the State of Origin. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“And if you are sick - stay home.”

It comes after the premier announced the game would go ahead State of Origin will go ahead despite the unfolding Covid situation, with tickets refunded for those who couldn’t travel due to COVID restrictions.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk donned a maroon shirt at her press conference in Oxley this morning, showing no concern about large crowds gathering to watch the game after confirming two cases of community transmission in the state.

Game II has been given the okay to go ahead tonight. Picture: Josh Woning

Ms Palaszczuk said she understands the NRL and Stadiums Queensland have notified and refunded tickets for people who can’t make it to the game due to travel restrictions from NSW, where 30 new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 were recorded overnight,

Reporters at the press conference asked Ms Palaszczuk where Game 3 will be held, with one suggesting the Gold Coast as an ideal location.

“Let’s deal with Game 2 tonight first,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Once again we wish our mighty maroons the best of luck for tonight, hopefully there’s going to be a win.

The premier did not confirm plans for the game III location. Photo of last year’s game III at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Picture: Josh Woning

“In terms of the third match, we’ve had no discussions with the NRL about that at the moment.”

She said hosting Game 3 at the Gold Coast would be a “great opportunity”, but that there were no plans made.

From 6am Monday, some additional restrictions will be in place to protect Queenslanders from the highly contagious Delta variant.

Pubs, clubs and cafés will revert to the one person per two square metres rule, while private gatherings at homes will be limited to no more than 100 people, including children and infants.