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'Stay close to home': Premier moves closer to suburb lockdown
By Lydia Lynch
Queenslanders have been told not to leave their suburb unless they need to go to work, the supermarket, chemist or bank.
"I need your family to stay in your neighbourhood as much as possible," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Sunday.
The public can support shops and restaurants in their local neighbourhood but have been urged to restrict non-essential travel and stay close to home.Credit: Justin McManus
Ms Palaszczuk’s plea comes as the state’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed by 38 overnight, with the total now at 259.
Health Minister Steven Miles said aside from the Gold Coast, there was yet to be widespread community transmission in Queensland and most of the people who tested positive were residents returning from overseas.
Ms Palaszczuk said "tougher measures" would be introduced in the coming days to slow the outbreak.
"Every measure we take will save lives. It is not a time to go and have parties, it is not a time to go with your mates to the beach, it is not a time to go with your mates to a pub," she said.
"That means you can support things in your local village, you can shop in your local neighbourhoods, but as much as possible you need to restrict your non-essential travel and stay close to home.
"Coronavirus can spread easily, and people are not observing social distancing."
Ms Palaszczuk said the national cabinet would discuss closing pubs, clubs and beaches when it meets on Sunday night.
It is understood the Victorian and NSW governments will push for schools to be closed at the meeting.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks to the media at the University of Queensland on Sunday.Credit: Picture: AAP/Jono Searle
Ms Palaszczuk would not say whether she would back the move but said the cabinet would look at "a range of measures".
On Saturday, Queensland police began cracking down on any venues flouting strict capacity restrictions.
Mr Miles said all police and liquor licensing officers had been granted powers to enforce social distancing measures.
Individuals who breach a public health order can be fined $13,345, but Mr Miles said no fines had been handed out yet.
"We haven't yet had to fine anyone for non-compliance; in every case, once they have received a warning, they have complied," he said.