What you can and can’t do under Brisbane’s three day lockdown

As Brisbane gears up for a three-day lockdown, here’s what residents can and can’t do this weekend.

Greater Brisbane has been ordered into a strict three day lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of a highly infectious strain of COVID-19.

From 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday, residents of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redlands council areas will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential work, medical needs, to get necessary supplies, to carry out caring responsibilities, and for exercise in their neighbourhoods.

People will have to wear a mask outside their homes.

Here’s what residents of Greater Brisbane can and can’t do for the next 72 hours.

The wearing of masks will be compulsory in Greater Brisbane during the lockdown period. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

MASKS

Residents of Greater Brisbane will need to wear a mask anytime they are outside their home over the next three days, Queensland’s chief health officer said.

“When you walk out your front door, put a mask on,” Dr Jeannette Young said.

“If you don’t have masks, I know most people do, but if you don’t, please go and buy a box – they’re readily available.

“Even better, stay at home and you won’t need one.”

WORK

Affected residents may attend work if they cannot work from home.

Dr Young said non-essential workers should think of the next three days as a “long weekend”.

“We’re heading into the weekend … People (should) work from home on Monday,” she said.

Essential workers like healthcare workers, those working in supermarkets and pharmacies, and some hospitality businesses operating in a takeaway only capacity are allowed to go to work.

Dr Jeannette Young has warned against panic buying, stating supermarkets will remain open during the lockdown. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass POOL via NCA NewsWire

SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIALS ONLY

People are permitted to leave their homes to buy essentials like groceries and medicine.

Despite pleas from the CHO and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk not to panic buy,  shoppers immediately flocked to the supermarket.

Supermarkets and pharmacists will remain open throughout the entire lockdown period, and shoppers will have to wear a mask and socially distance.

“There is absolutely no issue, all our shops are fully stocked,” Dr Young said.

CARING RESPONSIBILITIES

Greater Brisbane’s aged care facilities, disability accommodation, prisons and hospitals were closed to visitors on Thursday night.

People are permitted to carry out caring responsibilities but Dr Young urged people to be aware of the risk.

“Of course, care for them. Just remember they are at high risk, so if you don’t need to, don’t go and visit your elderly grandmother,” she said.

Compassionate visits for end of life are permitted.

EXERCISE

There are no limitations on the amount of time people can spend outdoors exercising, but Dr Young urged people to keep close to their homes.

“It’s important to exercise, but please do so in your local area in your family group, at most with one other person,” she said.

COVID-19 testing clinics will remain open over the lockdown weekend, with authorities urging Brisbane residents to continue to come forward. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josh Woning.

TESTING

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged Queenslanders to come forward to get tested, no matter how mild their symptoms are.

She urged those seeking a test to only attend their nearest centre, a full list of which can be found on the Queensland Health website.

GATHERINGS

Funerals have been limited to 20 people, weddings to 10 with no singing or dancing.

People can only exercise outdoors with one other person, unless they are all from the same household.

There is a limit of two visitors in homes per day, excluding care workers.

WHERE YOU CAN GO

Dr Young has asked people not to go to non-essential businesses such as hairdressers, nail salons, cinemas, and gyms.

Sporting activities will be suspended for the weekend.

Hospitality businesses including cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open for takeaway service only.

Places of worship will close for the entire lockdown period.

MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF BRISBANE

Residents within Greater Brisbane are being ordered to stay home, and at most not venture beyond their neighbourhood.

People can still enter Brisbane during the lockdown period, but are bound by the same restrictions. Where possible, people are encouraged to delay travel.

People should not leave Greater Brisbane during the period, and nonresidents currently in the area are strongly encouraged to remain until the end of the restrictions.