Big COVID-19 restriction changes ahead

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a range of measures that will see life return to normal for vaccinated Queenslanders. Those who are not vaccinated face a range of restrictions designed to protect the most vulnerable people in our community.

Pubs, clubs, nightclubs and music venues will be freed of all restrictions provided all patrons and staff are fully vaccinated.

The measures take effect from December 17 or once the State reaches 80 per cent of eligible Queenslanders fully vaccinated, whichever comes first, and affect everyone 16 years of age and older.

Ms Palaszczuk says these measures are a reward for vaccinated Queenslanders who deserve their lives to be returned to normal.

“This pandemic has been a long, hard road,” she says. “Soon our borders will open and COVID will be in our communities. This is about keeping our freedoms.”

From December 17:

• Events at all Queensland government stadiums including Suncorp, The Gabba, Queensland Country Bank and Metricon will be for the fully vaccinated only including staff. That includes Big Bash, T20, One Day Internationals, NRL, AFL, State of Origin and concerts.

• Hospitality venues including pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes will be open only to vaccinated staff and patrons

• Entertainment venues including live music and karaoke bars will be for vaccinated staff and patrons only

• Music festivals both indoor and outdoor will be for vaccinated staff, performers and patrons only

• Government-owned galleries, museums and libraries will be for vaccinated only

• No COVID limit on weddings where all attendees are vaccinated

Police will enforce the requirements of the venues.

Big changes coming

In order to protect the most vulnerable, visitors to aged care, hospitals, prisons and disability services will be required to be vaccinated except in end of life, childbirth or emergencies.

The first fully vaccinated event will be the Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder Big Bash League match at the Gabba on December 19.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says making sure spectators are fully vaccinated is critical to keeping all Queenslanders safe from COVID-19.

“If you want to see sporting spectacles like the BBL or State of Origin, you need to be vaccinated,” Mr Hinchliffe says.

“Without double vaccination you won’t make it past the Gabba turnstiles from December 17th onwards.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says COVID-safe quarantine plans have already been developed with Queensland Health for the England and Australian teams for the first test on December 8.

“Then the game changes again for all sports and concerts from December 17th,” Ms D’Ath says.

“Together as Queenslanders we are facing down the virus and building towards a brighter future.

“We now have a plan to chart our course to reopening borders for domestic and international travel.

“The COVID-19 Vaccine Plan to Unite Families outlines the steps to get us back to doing more of the things we love.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson welcomes the Heat’s first game at the Gabba being the first for doubled vaccinated fans only.

“Becoming fully vaccinated is vital for all Queenslanders to return to a normal way of life, including having crowds at our matches at venues like the Gabba and Metricon Stadium,” he says.

“Queensland Cricket supports the Government in creating a safe environment for fan and players.”