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General News

18 August, 2021

COVID restrictions will lift early

The Premier has announced today some restrictions including a ban on community sport will ease earlier than previously planned.

By Peter McCullagh

COVID restrictions will lift early - feature photo

Restrictions will ease from 4pm Friday August 20, across the local government areas of Cairns, Yarrabah, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer, Somerset, Logan, Redland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa and Scenic Rim.

The Premier said the move to relax restrictions was testament to the Queensland’s excellent response to the latest Delta outbreaks.

“We faced a very tough test in the past month with the Indooroopilly cluster and two cases in Cairns,” the Premier said.

“But once again, Queenslanders proved they were up to the challenge. I’m beyond proud to live in a state where people look after each other and understand the need to comply with health directions.

“I have no doubt that the restrictions put in place saved lives. But we are now in the fortunate position of being able to wind back these restrictions so people can resume a life as normal as possible.

“While restrictions will not ease until Friday afternoon, I am announcing them today so Queenslanders can put in place plans for the coming weekend.”


Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said with the easing of restrictions in those 11 local government areas there would also be an easing in the requirements for wearing masks.

“While you no longer have to wear a mask at all times, you are still required to carry one with you when you leave home,” Dr Young said.

“You must wear it indoors – places like shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets, hospitals and aged care facilities – or if you are outside and unable to physically distance.

“Face masks have played a big part in our ability to contain the latest clusters. A mask is a simple weapon against a complex virus.

“That’s why for an extra week from this Friday, school students will also be required to continue wearing masks in a classroom setting.”

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