Premier releases ‘roadmap’ to easing of restrictions

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced more COVID-19 restrictions will ease from next weekend, with two more stages to follow in June and July, as another day of no new cases and five more recoveries reduces the number of active Queensland cases to below 50.

As of today – Friday 8 May – in Queensland there are now 45 active cases, 994 recovered and six deaths for a total of 1045.

The Premier earlier today released a ‘Roadmap’ to easing restrictions from next Saturday (11.59pm Friday 15 May), followed by stage two in June and stage three in July.

“I want to thank every Queenslander, whether you live up in the Torres Strait, down on the Gold Coast, in the outback or our coastal communities, everyone is stepping up and doing a great job,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We know how important our hospitality, retail and tourism industries are, and people want certainty, so it’s a gradual return to some form of normality.

“It’s going to look a bit different but we’ll back each other and get through this together.”

The Chief Health Officer said Queenslanders had done a great job but testing remained vital.

“We’ll remove a lot of restrictions over the next few months, which is good news,” she said.

“But while we are doing it, we need to be very, very cautious. And if anyone is unwell, it is important they stay away from work and immediately get tested.”

Also today:

• The Premier reminded people that even before next weekend’s new roadmap, from this Sunday (Mother’s Day, Sunday 10 May), up to five members of one household may visit another household.

THE ROADMAP – FOR QUEENSLAND…

STAGE 1 – From 11.59pm, Friday 15 May, the following will be allowed:

• Gatherings of a maximum of 10 people together in a public space

• Dining in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSLs and cafes for a maximum of 10 patrons at one time as part of a gradual re-opening (no bars or gaming)

• Recreational travel of a radius of up to 150km from your home for day trips

• Some beauty therapies and nail salons for up to 10 people at one time

• Reopening of libraries. playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms (a maximum of 10 at one time)

• Wedding guests increased to 10 people and funeral attendance increased to 20 (30 outdoors)

• Open homes and auctions with a maximum of 10 people at one time;

• Re-opening public pools and lagoons (eg South Bank, Cairns, Airlie Beach) with a maximum of 10 people at a time or greater numbers with an approved plan

Stage Two, effective 11.59pm, Friday 12 June would provide for:

• Gatherings at homes with a maximum of 20 visitors

• Dining-in at restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes and RSLs for up to 20 patrons at a time and an option for more with an approved COVID-safe plan

• Holiday travel within your region

The Premier said Stage Three would include reviews of border closures and build to 100 customers for venues giving certainty to business, communities and families to be able to plan ahead.

“All things going well, from June school holidays, Queenslanders will be able to drive and stay at accommodation for the first time since the pandemic hit,” the Premier said.

“These are sensible, gradual steps to a safe COVID recovery that reconnects our communities and keeps the economy moving,” the Premier said.

“Last weekend we announced the first wave of eased restrictions and Queenslanders did us proud.

“Let’s keep it up to move to stages two and three.

“We want to keep taking steps forward, not backwards.

“We don’t want to undo all our good work.”

Stages Two and Three aim at gradually increasing travel distances and numbers for businesses in time for June school holidays.

“This is when we want people to be able to take a drive holiday within their region so that Queenslanders can back Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

Health Minister Steven Miles said the key to the recovery was maintaining social distancing and staying home if you are unwell.

“Queensland can be proud of the way we have managed the spread of COVID-19,” the Minister said.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said increases in COVID-19 cases are possible but manageable if Queensland continues its careful approach.

“People have been wonderful,” Dr Young said.

“That has got us this far.

“We have to keep vigilant and take each step carefully.”

More details:

www.covid19.qld.gov.au/