Annastacia Palaszczuk provides update on coronavirus in Qld

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has congratulated Queenslanders as the state again recorded no new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. She says discussions are now happening about when cafes and restaurants can reopen. FIND OUT HOW.

QUEENSLAND has again recorded no new cases of coronavirus in the past day, with discussions starting on when restaurants and cafes can reopen.

Health Minister Steven Miles said 11 people were being treated in hospital, with four in intensive care units.

As the state prepares for the easing of some restrictions from tonight, Mr Miles urged Queenslanders to “not mess it up” this weekend after just eight cases in the past seven days.

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Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said no new cases overnight “sets us up beautifully” for the weekend.

She said for Queensland to be considered coronavirus free, there would need to be no active cases across the state and two incubation periods of no further cases would be needed.

One incubation period is 14 days.

There are currently less than 80 active cases.

The Government will look to update Queenslanders in coming weeks about restrictions.

The Premier said cafes and restaurants were among those businesses being discussed.

“We’re going to be having detailed discussions with organisations during the course of next week and of course were looking at what is COVID safe,” she said.

Asked whether Queensland businesses could expect a roadmap to recovery following those weeks, Ms Palaszczuk said the Government was working on it.

Cafes and restaurants will be able to reopen after no new cases for two complete incubation cycles. Izak Fogarty at Alcove Cafe and Deli, Wilston. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

With non-essential travel permitted effectively from tomorrow morning, parks and picnic grounds are expected to be among prime destinations for many who have endured weeks of lockdown.

Shopping is also allowed and even sitting on a park bench is permitted.

The only proviso is that residents mingle with members of their own household and for those who are single, they can hang out with one other person.

People are restricted to travelling no further than 50km from their home.

Despite the easing of restrictions, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young wants the public to adhere to the restrictions today.

“Queenslanders are reminded to continue staying home as much as possible, and stay in their suburb when undertaking essential activities such as going to the supermarket or exercising,” she said.

The state’s COVID-19 tally sits at 1033 and just 84 active cases stand between Queensland and a clean slate after no new confirmed COVID-19 sufferers were announced on Thursday.

“In the last seven days, we have had just eight new cases of COVID-19; that number would have been hard to believe just a few weeks ago,” Health Minister Steven Miles said yesterday.

Originally published as Annastacia Palaszczuk provides update on coronavirus in Qld