Queensland records zero new local infections as restrictions ease

Queensland has again recorded no new locally acquired infections as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a surprise easing of restrictions.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has eased restrictions in Queensland after the state recorded zero new locally acquired infections for the third consecutive day.

Health authorities had ramped up the alert level last week as a number of clusters threatened the state, but the Premier was confident the multiple Covid-19 breaches had been contained.

Chief health officer Jeannette Young said she was confident Queensland had once again managed to avoid a destructive crisis.

“We’ve had another outbreak that I believe that at this stage has been averted,” the top doctor told reporters on Friday.

“It was one week ago that we had our last case announced in the aviation cluster.

“Since then, we’ve had some more, but of course they were all in quarantine during their infectious period so that means from 4pm today, we can remove those restrictions and go back to the position we were at before.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared ‘dancing is back’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

From Friday afternoon, the local government areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan, Townsville and Palm Island will join the rest of Queensland with increased capacity at pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to host one person per 2sq m indoors and outdoors, while stadiums and events can return to full capacity, Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Pubs and cafes can have double the number of patrons,” the Premier said, while also declaring “dancing is back”.

Other changes include:

• Up to 100 people can gather in homes, with no limit for people gathering in public spaces
• Visitors are permitted at aged care, correctional centres, hospitals and disability service centres
• Up to 200 people can attend funerals and weddings, and all wedding guests can dance.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queenslanders would be expected to continue wearing masks, particularly in indoor areas where social distancing was not possible.

Patrons are able to remove masks to eat and drink, including when standing inside a licensed venue.

Mask requirements change from 4pm. #covid19pic.twitter.com/RaSRdRfCI8

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 8, 2021