Coronavirus QLD: Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Fraser Island closed

Three of SEQ’s most popular holiday islands have been officially closed to the public as authorities try to deter people from leaving their homes over the Easter weekend.

Three of south-east Queensland’s most popular holiday islands have been closed to the public as the State Government begs people to stay home this Easter.

North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island and Fraser Island will be closed to all people unless they live there, work there, or are travelling for other permitted purposes.

North Stradbroke Island has been closed to the public.

Under a new directive to be issued today by the Chief Health Office, a person who does not live on the island can only travel to these areas for work, to access health care and other services or other permitted purposes including people travelling for compassionate reasons.

Travelling to a designated area for a holiday or any kind of recreation is not permitted.

People coming from a high risk area or from overseas will also have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering a designated area.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the three islands were popular destinations over the Easter period but this was no time for travelling outside where you live.

“This is a time for staying in your communities,” the Premier said.

“It’s a time for families to stay at home and stay safe and healthy.

“The last thing we need is people travelling outside their communities unless it’s essential.

“This travel ban will be enforceable, just as the other directives of the Chief Health Officer have been.

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“If you are travelling to these islands and you don’t live there, if it’s not for work or for a permitted purpose, Queensland Police may fine you more than $13,000.

“There are exemptions in place for those who need to travel like parents and carers, workers and those travelling for other essential reasons.”

Meanwhile, the Premier said more than 30,000 Queenslanders could have died if the state hadn’t adopted tough measures to fight COVID-19.

As authorities again implored people to stay home this Easter, Ms Palaszczuk said that huge number kept her up at night.

“Over 30,000 could have died if we’d had a sharp spike and hadn’t flattened the curve,” she said.

“The reality is the virus is still here and we are still going to see loss of life.”

Originally published as Coronavirus QLD: Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Fraser Island closed