COVID enemy is complacency: Premier warns

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned Queenslanders about “complacency” on COVID-19 as Victoria and NSW deal with fresh outbreak clusters – but she’s so far given no indication Queensland’s borders will be fully closed once again.

The Premier posted on Facebook earlier today – Wednesday 15 July – that at “every stage of the global coronavirus pandemic, I have been upfront with Queenslanders about the risks we face”.

“We have fought this virus – all five million of us, every one of us has contributed something,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“But we are entering the most dangerous weeks of the battle so far.

“The enemy is complacency.

“Protections at Queensland borders remain strong and we are closely monitoring outbreaks in other states.

“At noon today, the cities of Liverpool and Campbelltown were added to the list of hotspots along with Victoria.

“People travelling from those areas will be turned away at our border.

“Those who test our seriousness about our borders will learn a harsh lesson.

“Nothing is more important to me than protecting the health of Queenslanders.

“The reward for our hard work is being able to take the steps to get our lives and our economy closer to normal.

“ It’s little things like being able to get a beer at a bar and catch up with friends.

“It’s having our children return to school and getting jobs back.

:Every visitor we welcome represents good news for our tourism and hospitality industries.

“It is all part of our plan to help the Queensland economy recover but taking steps back to normal doesn’t mean coronavirus is over.

“We have seen how easily all this can be undone – our best weapon is social distancing and I know Queenslanders won’t give up the fight.

“We have shown it is possible to have fans back at the footy as long as we follow the rules.

“Nightclubs are not exempt to these rules – already three venues have been fined $6,675 each and one remains under investigation.

“But, ultimately, it’s up to all of us to do the right thing.

“That includes the people going to nightclubs.

“A night out is not worth putting everyone else into lockdown.

“It’s up to all of us to keep going.”