Queensland’s vaccination lockouts explained: What you can and can’t do if you’re unvaccinated

Queensland’s jab lockout mandates came as a shock to traders. Now health authorities have clarified what you can and can’t do if you haven’t had your jab. See our guide.

UNVACCINATED Gold Coasters will continue to have unfettered access to beauty salons, hairdressers and gyms from December 17.

The clarification comes after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement on Tuesday that people without Covid vaccinations would not be allowed in pubs, cafes, cinemas, stadiums, libraries and other venues from December 17.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Covid-19 press conference in Brisbane. Thursday November 11, 2021. Picture: John Gass

According to Queensland Health spokesman, the restrictions for the unvaccinated people targeted non-essential leisure activities and vulnerable settings.

“Beauty salons, hairdressers and gyms are classed as ‘other settings’ under the public health measures linked to vaccination status, and are considered in the same category as essential retail and other retail,” he said.

“People will not be required to show vaccination status at premises such as grocery stores, post offices, pharmacies, clothing stores, gyms, beauty salons and hairdressers.

“Covid-19 density restrictions may still apply and people must check in using the Check In Qld app.

“People will only need to show their vaccination status when entering a non-essential business.”

Questions and answers

What services and activities are going to be restricted for unvaccinated people

* Hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants or cafes

* Indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas

* Outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums, theme parks or tourism experience like reef excursions

* Festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals

* Queensland Government-owned galleries, museums or libraries.

Unvaccinated people also won’t be able to visit vulnerable settings, including:

* Hospitals, residential aged care, disability care accommodation, and prisons.

There will be some exceptions for medical treatment, end-of-life visits, childbirth and emergency situations.

Will unvaccinated people still be able to access essential services?

Yes. Unvaccinated people will be able to access essential services and activities. This includes:

* Grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, newsagents and clothing stores, going to the gym for exercise.

Capacity restrictions may still be in place at these types of businesses.

How has Queensland Health chosen the venues and activities that will be restricted to unvaccinated people?

They’re all venues or activities where there is a higher risk of transmission, where there are people at higher risk if they contract Covid, or settings where contact tracing can be difficult.

Do I need to show my vaccination status when entering a business?

Yes. The owner or staff of a non-essential business may ask to see your vaccination status. The onus will be on the person entering to show proof of their vaccination status.

For details visit Queensland Health’s 80 per cent vaccination information page.

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