Jab deadline: No entry to venues for Toowoomba’s unvaccinated

Toowoomba residents who fail to get their vaccinations against Covid, will soon be refused entry to venues. Here’s all you need to know.

Bartender Belle Wippell. The Norville Hotel is preparing for new Covid measures for patrons. Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Friday night drinks and coffee catch-ups will soon be off the cards for any Toowoomba residents who fail to get their double vaccination dose against Covid-19.

As of December 17, or when the state’s vaccination target reaches 80 per cent, anyone aged 16 years and older will be unable to enter venues including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and stadiums unless they are fully vaccinated.

JAB DEADLINE: Grinds Espresso Rail owner GG Wyatt said the new measures may take the stress off business owners in the long-run, with less chance of impending lockdowns. Picture: Rhylea Millar

The new measures, which were announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday, will also be implemented to include government-owned museums and galleries, indoor and outdoor festivals and live music venues.

Excluding end-of-life, childbirth and emergency situations, visitors will only be permitted to attend hospitals, prisons, disability services and aged care facilities, if they are fully vaccinated.

If all guests have been vaccinated, no restrictions will be applied to weddings, but if any attendees are unvaccinated, a strict 20 person limit will be enforced.

Adam Hamilton (left) and Cory Pearson. The Norville Hotel is preparing for new Covid measures for patrons. Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Hotel Norville manager Cory Pearson said while the past two years had been challenging for the hospitality industry and business owners, he was trying to look on the bright side.

“We knew something was coming. and at least now there’s some clarity on what the directives will be,” he said. “There are still a lot of questions about what we’re going to face and how is it going to be policed, but one thing we can be thankful for is that we have a big venue with plenty of space.

“A good aspect of it is everyone is going to feel safe to dine again, and they’re hopefully going to open borders which might increase trade, so if everyone follows the rules, we’re not going to have any problems.”