How long until a slow but steady lockdown lift-off?

OPINION: Is a lockdown restriction lift-off for May out of the question, asks Matty Holdsworth.

Buderim’s Main St is a ghost town amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

SOAPBOX: MY medical advice is more Dr Nick Riviera and less Dr Gregory House but given Queensland’s ability to successfully flatten the curve, one would expect lockdown restrictions to ease, right?

For the past four weeks, we’ve bunkered down and played our part in Queensland’s slowdown of coronavirus rates.

For four weeks, our lives have been disrupted, friendships and relationships tested, as we wait patiently.

It’s been a bore, yes, but what alternative do we have?

One of the region’s leading doctors told me last week he expects lockdowns to be lifted sooner rather than later.

I’m not saying it should be today but say the rates continue to reduce and the curve flattens.

Is May out of the question?

Providing people keep social distancing, keep the same hygiene practices and observe the 1.5m rule, it would be a godsend to the region if businesses could slowly reopen.

Imagine how much mum-and-dad businesses stand to gain just by allowing people inside the store.

From there, more services could open, sporting clubs could get back on their feet and continue the slow and steady build.

Then, pubs — those glorious things many of us miss — could make a triumphant return.

I’ll happily take the first round.

Originally published as