Is it safe to revert back to Stage 6 restrictions in Greater Brisbane?

Due to the great work by Queenslanders in responding to the recent lockdown, we can now lift the increased restrictions that have been in place for Greater Brisbane. From 1am AEST 22 January 2021, if there is no community transmission, the Greater Brisbane region will be subject to the same restrictions as the rest of the state.

Was the lockdown necessary?

The lockdown was necessary for impacted areas to minimise the potential spread of this very infectious variant of COVID-19.

What rules are in place for movement and gathering?

If there is no community transmission, the increased restrictions on movement and gathering for Greater Brisbane will be lifted from 1am AEST 22 January 2021.

You can have 100 people gather in public outdoor spaces, and 50 people can gather at a private property, this number includes those who live with you.

Find out more about the restrictions on movement and gathering across all of Queensland.

What rules are in place for businesses?

If there is no community transmission, the increased restrictions on businesses, activities and undertakings in Greater Brisbane will be lifted from 1am AEST 22 January 2021.

All restricted businesses can open, in line with the COVID Safe Framework.

Find out more about the restrictions in place for businesses, activities and undertakings across all of Queensland.

Do I have to continue to carry/wear a face mask?

From 1am AEST 22 January 2021, you are strongly encouraged to continue to carry a face mask with you at all times, to provide added protection if you are in a situation where you cannot maintain social distancing. When attending a big event or travelling on public transport, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask – especially when entering, exiting or moving through areas where lots of people are gathered.

Face masks remain mandatory at all times in the following situations:

• at Queensland airports (indoor and outdoor areas)
• during a domestic commercial flight
• if you are arriving to Queensland from overseas or from a COVID-19 hotspot you must wear a face mask while travelling from the airport until you reach your allocated room in your quarantine accommodation
• if you are a driver of a bus, coach service, taxi or rideshare transporting a person required to quarantine.

There are some exceptions to wearing a face mask, including:

• children under 12
• a person eating, drinking or taking medicine
• where visibility of the mouth is essential
• where a mask needs to be removed to clearly communicate
• a person with a particular medical condition or disability, which makes wearing a face mask unsuitable
• a person undergoing medical treatment
• if a person is asked to remove a face mask for identity purposes
• if wearing a mask creates a risk to a person’s health and safety
• for emergencies or when allowed by law
• in any circumstances when it’s not safe to wear a mask.

Face masks alone will not protect you from COVID-19. Social distancing is the gold standard of COVID-19 prevention methods, coupled with washing your hands regularly.

Find out more about using face masks.

How do I know what Local Government Areas are impacted?

To protect the health of Queenslanders, from 5pm AEST Monday 29 March 2021 to 5pm AEST Thursday 1 April 2021, the Greater Brisbane region will be subject to new restrictions. This will be reviewed on Wednesday 31 March. This includes:

• City of Brisbane
• City of Ipswich
• Logan City
• Moreton Bay Region
• Redland City

Anyone who has been in these areas on or since 8am AEST 20 March must follow the restrictions listed below.

Questions about home confinement and movement

What is a place of residence/principal place of residence?

For Queensland residents, your place of residence is where you normally live. This could include:

• a house
• an apartment, townhouse, villa, terrace house, row house or unit
• a manufactured home
• a caravan
• shed, pool house, carport or granny flat.

If you are temporarily residing in Queensland, your residence is where you are currently residing. For example, this could include your family relative’s home or holiday accommodation.

If you have been in greater Brisbane on or since 8am AEST 20 March 2021, your current principal place of residence may be holiday accommodation or your residence in another state or territory.

When am I allowed to leave my residence?/ What is a permitted purpose? Can I leave an impacted area?

#permitted-purpose

You can only leave your residence (which includes temporary accommodation such as a holiday rental) for essential purposes:

• obtain essential goods or services, including health care
• exercise
• attend essential work or childcare
• assist vulnerable persons.

This means if you live in an impacted area you can only leave your residence to:

• shop for essentials foods and other necessary supplies
• obtain medical or healthcare services
• get a COVID-19 test
• get a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination
• exercise
• perform work or volunteering or an essential business, activity or undertaking that cannot be done from your residence
• visit another residence (you are only allowed two visitors who do not normally live with you per day)
• visit a terminally ill relative
• attend a funeral or wedding
• provide assistance, care or support to an immediate family member
• attend any court or tribunal of Australia or to comply with or give effect to orders of the court or tribunal of Australia
• attend a childcare facility
• attend a school, university, or other educational institution, if teaching cannot be obtained from your residence
• assist with or participate in an investigation or other action by a law enforcement authority, whether voluntarily or not
• complete a shared parenting arrangement as long as this does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, for example someone aged over 70
• avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm, for example escaping risk of harm related to domestic and family violence or accessing support from a domestic and family violence support service
• comply with or give effect to the exercise of a power or function of a government agency or entity under a law
• if directed to leave by an emergency officer
• you have been granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer.

You can leave an impacted area to complete the above.

You can return to your home outside of greater Brisbane but you must follow the same lockdown rules when you return home. Only leave your home for the permitted purposes and wear a mask when doing so.

You can also transit through greater Brisbane without stopping.

If I live in an impacted area but work outside of an impacted area can I still go to work?

Yes, if you live in an impacted area but work outside of an impacted area you can go to work, if your work is open. You must return to your residence after you have completed your shift to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For example, if you live in Brisbane but work as a hairdresser on the Gold Coast you can continue to go to work. You must wear a mask when outside of your residence including at work if you can’t practice physical distancing unless an exception applies.

We recommend talking to your employer who may have specific policies in place to manage their risk.

Who is an essential worker?

All work is essential if it is not for a non-essential business or if it is for a business that is allowed to operate and the persons work cannot be reasonably performed from their home

All non-essential businesses, activities and undertakings are listed below. You may still attend work at a non-essential business for the purpose of providing takeaway food services. You may also still undertake online work for a non-essential business. For example, a business selling goods or providing services online or a personal trainer who offers personal training sessions online.

• Retail food services including pubs, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets except for takeaway and home delivery services
• Entertainment facilities such as theatres, cinemas, music halls and concert halls
• Major sports stadiums convention centres and showgrounds
• Indoor and outdoor events such as marathons, cultural festivals, fetes, expos
• Theme parks, outdoor amusement parks, tourism experiences and arcades
• Zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres, except to provide maintenance and care for animals
• Hairdressers
• Amusement centres such as places to play billiards, pool, pinball machines or video games
• Gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities and dance studios
• Indoor sporting centres and venues
• Public playgrounds, skateparks, BMX tracks and outside gyms including static exercise equipment in Council parks
• Public barbeques such as barbeques in public spaces or shared facilities
• Places of public worship, except for weddings and funerals in line with the person limits. Religious ceremonies may be livestreamed.
• Spas, nail salons, hairdressers, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlours, non-therapeutic massage and water-based spa services
• Massage parlours unless providing massage therapy for the management or prevention of disease, injury or condition by a registered health practitioner or qualified massage therapist
• Auction houses
• Betting agencies and gaming lounges
• Casinos, gaming or gambling venues, including wagering outlets that are accessible by members of the public
• Markets, except for food and farmers markets
• Galleries, museums and libraries
• Community facilities, such as community halls excluding the provision of hosting essential voluntary or public services such as foodbanks and homeless services
• Sex on premises services, sex services premises and strip clubs
• Public swimming pools (including hotel and apartment complex pools)
• Nightclubs

Can I go to church/place of worship?

No. Places of worship are required to close during the lockdown period except for weddings and funerals. The number of people who can attend a wedding or a funeral has also been restricted. You must wear a mask unless an exception applies and observe physical distancing if attending such an event.

However, religious ceremonies can be livestreamed. Only the person conducting the ceremony and the camera person can attend the place of worship to livestream the ceremony. While physical distancing must be observed, people do not need to wear a mask while conducting the ceremony. This exception is only for the duration of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete, masks must be worn again.

Is there a kilometre limit being imposed?

There is no kilometre limit in place at this time. However, to limit the spread of COVID-19 we are asking residents of impacted areas to stay at home and limit travel outside of your local area.

Can I come into an impacted area from outside? If I do, can I leave again?

Yes, you can enter an impacted area from outside the region to return home, or for a permitted purpose, such as work or for essential health care. However, if you do, you must abide by all restrictions for the period of the lockdown. You can return to your home outside of an impacted area but you must continue to abide by the lockdown restrictions upon your return. This means only leaving your residence for a permitted purpose and wearing a mask when doing so.

Can I travel through impacted areas without stopping? If so, can I catch public transport or does it have to be in a car? Does car only include my own vehicle, or can it be an Uber, taxi etc?

You can travel through impacted areas to get from one destination to another, but you must do so without stopping. You also must travel in a private vehicle, such as your own car, a rideshare car or taxi. You must not transit through the impacted areas by any other mode of transport – i.e. public transport or a shuttle service.

Can I leave an impacted area to return home, or do I need to stay for the lockdown? / Do the people I live with need to follow the lockdown rules?

You may leave the impacted area to return home once the lockdown starts. However, you must follow the lockdown restrictions when you return. This means only leaving your home for a permitted purpose and wearing a mask when doing so.

The people you live with do not need to follow the lockdown restrictions in place for Greater Brisbane. However, they must follow the restrictions in place for Queensland, outside of Greater Brisbane if you live in Queensland.

Will kindy/childcare still be operational for essential workers?

Yes. Childcare services are allowed to be open. You may leave your home to drop off and pick up your child from a kindergarten or daycare.

I am meant have custody of my child this weekend, is this still allowed?

For children under 18 who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents – leaving the place of residence is allowed to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children - as long as this does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, for example someone aged over 70.

I have child custody arrangements in/out of the lockdown area. Can I visit/travel with my child or to get my child?

For children under 18 who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents – leaving the place of residence or entering an impacted area is allowed to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children - As long as this does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, for example someone aged over 70.

However, if you leave an impacted area you must continue to abide by the lockdown restrictions.

I have booked short term accommodation that finishes up during lockdown – what are my options?

If you are temporarily staying in an impacted area in short-term or holiday accommodation when your booking expires, you may leave your accommodation to return to:

• your place of residence, or
• other accommodation.

If you leave the impacted area during the lockdown period you must continue to abide by the lockdown restrictions upon your return. This means only leaving your residence for a permitted purpose and wearing a mask when doing so.

I live on the border of an impacted area, can I cross to get groceries/exercise/visit family etc?

To limit the spread of the virus, we are asking residents in impacted areas to stay at home and limit their travel unless it is essential to do so. Where possible, it is recommended to stay in your local area.

Can I leave an impacted area and shop or travel and stay elsewhere?

To limit the spread of the virus, we are asking residents in the impacted areas to stay at home and limit their travel unless it is essential to do so. Where possible, it is recommended to stay in your local area.

If I fly into Brisbane Airport, can I transit through Greater Brisbane without needing to follow the Greater Brisbane lockdown requirements? / Can I travel from regional Queensland to the Brisbane airport, then onwards to another place outside of Brisbane?

Yes. You must leave the airport in a private vehicle and drive straight out of the Greater Brisbane region without stopping. You must wear a mask while transiting through the Greater Brisbane region. You cannot use an airport shuttle service with other arrivals or take a taxi, rideshare or public transport.

I have been in the Brisbane Airport since 8am AEST 20 March 2021, do I need to follow the Greater Brisbane lockdown requirements?

No. Those who remained in the Brisbane Airport, for example when transferring between flights, and did not enter the broader community do not need to follow the Greater Brisbane lockdown requirements. You must follow the restrictions for the rest of Queensland.

Is there a restriction on other events, such as birthday parties?

You are only allowed to leave your home for permitted purposes. You may visit another person’s home as one of two visitors or to attend a wedding or funeral.

Indoor and outdoor events are prohibited during the lockdown period.

Can I leave my home to pick up family from an airport?

Yes. People may leave their home to provide assistance to an immediate family member.

However, you should limit your movements as much as possible and wear a mask when you leave home.

If you’re on the islands, can you come to the mainland?

Yes, but only for essential purposes.

During transit it is important to remember to limit your contact with the general public as much as possible. Practise social distancing and hand hygiene and wear a mask at all times.

If I have been in Brisbane on or since 8am AEST 20 March 2021 and have gone back to my home outside greater Brisbane, do I still need to need to follow the Greater Brisbane lockdown requirements?

The compulsory lockdown for the Greater Brisbane area applies only to residents and visitors who are  in the region from 5pm AEST Monday 29 March 2021.

We are also asking those who have been in the greater Brisbane area on or since 8am AEST 20 March 2021, and have since travelled home to other areas in the State or outside of Queensland, to do the right thing and abide by the lockdown rules. This means only leaving your home for a permitted purpose and wearing a mask when doing so.

Can I move houses during the lockdown period? Can I move houses into/outside the lockdown area?

Yes. You may move to a new residence during the lockdown period. If you move into an impacted area, you must comply with the lockdown restrictions. This means only leaving your residence for a permitted purpose such as work, essential shopping and exercise and wearing a mask when out of your home.

If you leave an impacted area to move to a house located outside the impacted area, you must continue to observe the same lockdown rules such as only leaving the home for permitted purposes and wearing a mask when you leave your residence.

If I normally live outside of greater Brisbane but am currently camping (tent or caravan etc) in greater Brisbane, can I stay as long as I abide by restrictions?

Yes. All persons in the greater Brisbane area from 5pm AEST Monday 29 March 2021 can remain in the area until lockdown ends as long as they abide by all the restrictions.

If I live in greater Brisbane, and am currently camping (tent or caravan etc) in greater Brisbane, am I required to return to my place of residence?

No. You can remain at your campsite as long all lockdown restrictions are followed.

Can people living or holidaying in a caravan/camping park inside greater Brisbane still use shared facilities such as amenities?

Yes. Follow all health advice, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.

I’m at a campsite in greater Brisbane, am I permitted to leave to return to my place of residence outside of the area?

Yes.

I’m a greater Brisbane resident and I’m holidaying in another part of Queensland, can I return home or must I remain where I am until 5pm Thursday 1 April?

You may transit back to your home in the greater Brisbane area at any time during the lockdown period, however, you must reduce your contact with the community as much as possible and follow all health advice.

If I have tested negative for COVID-19 am I excluded from the lockdown?

No. All persons in the greater Brisbane region, regardless of a current or previous negative COVID-19 test result, must comply with lockdown restrictions.

COVID-19 tests are a ‘point in time’ result. An individual infected with COVID-19 may return an early negative result during the earliest days of the infection but then return a later positive result when the virus is more active.

Questions about non-essential businesses, activities and undertakings

What businesses are closed?

The following businesses and activities in the impacted areas must close during the lockdown period unless an exception applies:

• Retail food services including pubs, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets except for takeaway and home delivery services
• Entertainment facilities such as theatres, cinemas, music halls and concert halls
• Major sports stadiums convention centres and showgrounds
• Indoor and outdoor events such as marathons, cultural festivals, fetes, expos
• Theme parks, outdoor amusement parks, tourism experiences and arcades
• Zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres, except to provide maintenance and care for animals
• Hairdressers
• Amusement centres such as places to play billiards, pool, pinball machines or video games
• Gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities and dance studios
• Indoor sporting centres and venues
• Public playgrounds, skateparks, BMX tracks and outside gyms including static exercise equipment in Council parks
• Public barbeques such as barbeques in public spaces or shared facilities
• Places of public worship, except for weddings and funerals in line with the person limits. Religious ceremonies may be livestreamed.
• Spas, nail salons, hairdressers, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlours, non-therapeutic massage and water-based spa services
• Massage parlours unless providing massage therapy for the management or prevention of disease, injury or condition by a registered health practitioner or qualified massage therapist
• Auction houses
• Betting agencies and gaming lounges
• Casinos, gaming or gambling venues, including wagering outlets that are accessible by members of the public
• Markets, except for food and farmers markets
• Galleries, museums and libraries
• Community facilities, such as community halls excluding the provision of hosting essential voluntary or public services such as foodbanks and homeless services
• Sex on premises services, sex services premises and strip clubs
• Public swimming pools (including hotel and apartment complex pools)
• Nightclubs

Will I be able to go clothes shopping?

It is recommended that residents of greater Brisbane stay home wherever possible.

Which businesses can stay open?

Only businesses or activities that are identified as non-essential need to close. Masks must be worn and staff and customers need to observe physical distancing to the extent practicable.

Can bottle shops remain open? / Can bottle shops deliver? / Is there a limit to the number of people inside a bottle shop?

Bottle shops and off license premises attached to venues are not a restricted business. They are not required to operate under requirements such as the one person per 2 square metre rule. Some retailers may choose to use their own risk management practices, such as limiting people inside and practising physical distancing.

When visiting one of these stores you must:

• wear a mask – this includes staff and customers
• practise physical distancing where possible (keeping 1.5m away from other people).

We hold tastings in our store (e.g. sample drinks), can we still do this?

During lockdown we strongly recommend retailers do not hold tastings for drinks or food, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Can we continue to provide home-delivery services?

Yes. Retail businesses can continue to operate and provide home delivery services during lockdown.

Are cafes, pubs etc. ok to remain open if they're following a COVID-safe plan?

Dining in a café, pub or restaurant is not permitted during the lockdown period. However, cafes, pubs and restaurants can provide take away food and home delivery services.

Bottle shops and off license premises attached to venues may continue to operate, with physical distancing observed.

Will there be buses/trains/etc. Is it safe to use public transport?

Public transport will continue as normal and physical distancing is still in effect. However, you must wear a mask and follow the other advice from TransLink about COVID-safe travel on public transport.

Can construction within the lockdown areas continue? /Can building or construction sites operate and have workers onsite? Do workers need to wear masks? / Can I have items delivered to my construction site?

Yes, construction can continue and workers can continue to attend building and construction sites during the lockdown. Deliveries can be made to construction sites.

Workers must carry a mask with them at all times, unless they have a lawful reason not to. They must wear a mask indoors (where safe to do so and physical distancing is not possible). It is strongly recommended you wear a mask outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m away from other people.

Can I provide lunch for my workers?

You can continue to provide food or drinks to your employees or contractors that is necessary for normal operations, as long as physical distancing is observed. You cannot have a self-service buffet.

If I have a breakfast/lunch/dinner reservation during the lockdown period does that mean I have to cancel?

You will not be able to dine at the restaurant. From 5pm AEST 29 March 2021, restaurants will only be able to serve take away food for the length of the lockdown.

I have a holiday booked for the Easter long weekend, do I need to cancel this? Can I leave the lockdown area to go on holiday? /Can I enter the lockdown area to go on holiday?

It is crucial that Queenslanders follow the Directions of Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young and avoid unessential travel at this time.

We understand that many Queenslanders have planned to travel interstate or within Queensland over the Easter break, but it is vital they don’t travel before we reassess the situation on Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Greater Brisbane residents should be complying with lockdown requirements and only leave their homes for essential reasons. This also applies to anyone who was in greater Brisbane on or since Saturday 8am AEST 20 March 2021 but who has since returned home outside of the greater Brisbane area.

You must only leave your home for essential reasons and wear a mask when in a public indoor space.

If an accommodation provider has people arrive who they think are from Brisbane or the hotspot area what is their obligation?

We ask that accommodation providers notify all guests, regardless of where they have come from, of the current requirement in relation to people who have been in greater Brisbane since 8am 20 March and the restrictions that will apply in the rest of the State.

We do not expect accommodation providers to enforce compliance, but they can report non-compliance through the appropriate Queensland Police Service channels. No accommodation provider should put themselves or their staff at risk by confronting guests.

We know that accommodation providers were very responsive during the last lockdown. We know that accommodation providers used a range of methods to communicate with their guests that had already arrived or were due to arrive, including but not limited to emails to guest, posters/flyers displayed around the venue, leaflets under guests doors. These are just a few examples and we know each accommodation provider will adapt to their circumstances.

What is your advice for accommodation providers and what they should do?

We suggest that accommodation providers use the communication channels available to them, such as updating their website, sending emails to current and future guests, and posting information on leaflets or flyers.

We suggest that the guests are made aware that:

• The greater Brisbane restrictions apply to anyone who has been in greater Brisbane on or since 8am AEST 20 March, even if they are now in a different part of the state
• All parts of Queensland now have increased restrictions, so even if you have not been in greater Brisbane you will need to comply with local restrictions.

Do non-restricted retailers have to follow any restrictions? What restrictions are in place for large retailers?

Large retailers that provide essential goods and services (for example grocery stores) are currently not restricted businesses. They are not required to operate under requirements such as the one person per 2 square metre rule. Some retailers may elect to impose their own risk management practices such as occupant limits.

When visiting one of these stores you must:

• wear a mask. This includes staff who work at and customers who visit the store.
• practise physical distancing to the extent possible. This includes maintaining 1.5m distance from other people.

What about businesses and activities that are not required to close, but are restricted under another Direction? / My business is not listed as a restricted business, can I continue to operate?

Some businesses such as universities and accommodation facilities are not required to close during lockdown. However, these facilities must continue to follow requirements under the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction.

If I can exercise with one other person, whom I don't live with, does that mean I can attend my physio appointment or remedial massage, given it is only with one other person?

Essential services, including medical appointments, can continue during lockdown. However, we strongly encourage any non-urgent appointments that can wait until after the lockdown period be postponed.

I have an appointment in or outside of the lockdown area, can I attend?

If you live in an impacted area you are only allowed to leave your home to attend an appointment which would be considered essential or permitted, such as attending a medical appointment.

If you live outside of an impacted area you can attend an essential appointment in an impacted area. However, you must abide by the lockdown restrictions upon your return. This means only leaving your residence for a permitted purpose and wearing a mask when doing so.

I’m in a different state and am flying/arriving this weekend - will I be put into hotel quarantine or can I quarantine at home?

The requirements relating to persons entering Queensland from interstate or overseas remain unchanged.

If you enter an impacted area from overseas or a declared COVID-19 hotspot you will need to enter hotel quarantine.

If you enter an impacted area from a place in Australia that is not a declared hotspot, you will be required to stay at your home or other place of residence. You will be required to remain at this residence and comply with all the requirements in the impacted area, including staying at home and wearing a mask while outside of your residence.

Can I travel through the lockdown area (e.g. Tweed Heads to Sunshine Coast)?

You can travel through impacted areas to get from one destination to another, but you must do so without stopping. You also must travel in a private vehicle, such as your own car, a rideshare car or taxi and wear a mask when doing so. You must not transit through impacted areas by any other mode of transport – i.e. public transport.

How many people can gather in outdoor areas, like a park?

You can meet with members of your household or one other person who is not a member of your household, in a public outdoor space.

How many people can I have at a wedding ceremony?

You may have a maximum of 10 people at a wedding within the impacted areas. This includes the celebrant and two witnesses. You can also live stream a wedding. You must practise physical distancing to the extent practicable and wear a mask unless an exception applies.

My wedding is this weekend, can I hold a reception as well as a ceremony?

No. Wedding ceremonies within the greater Brisbane area can only have a maximum of 10 people, including the celebrant and two witnesses.

All non-essential businesses, including function centres and dine-in restaurants in the greater Brisbane area will be closed for the duration of the lockdown period.

You may only allow two visitors per day at your home.

How many people can I have at a funeral?

Funerals are now limited to 20 people (excluding the officials) in the greater Brisbane area. You can also live stream a funeral. You must practise physical distancing to the extent practicable and wear a mask unless an exception applies.

Are all sporting fixtures within the impacted areas cancelled? Will I get a refund?

Yes. Sporting events within the impacted areas have been cancelled. You should seek advice from the relevant ticket agency in respect to whether a refund is to be provided as a result of the lockdown.

I’m a professional sports player or athlete, can I leave home for training? /Can teams train together? / Can teams travel together on one bus- can we still do this?

Yes. You may continue to train or attend trials such as the Olympic trials during the lockdown period. Spectators are not permitted. You must wear a mask indoors whenever you are not engaged in strenuous physical exercise, unless an exception applies.

Are all community sports cancelled? / Can my child attend sports training in the lockdown area? / Can they share a locker room?

All community sports will be cancelled during lockdown. Social sporting-based activities are limited to two people outdoors, with physical distancing observed.

Can I donate blood during lockdown?

Yes. Globally, there are no reports of COVID-19 being transmitted through blood.

I am a real estate agent – can I conduct open house inspections or auctions?

If your open home is proposed to take place in an impacted area, you will not be able to conduct an open home during the lockdown period. Private inspection appointments can continue.

Can I go to the gym?

No. Gyms will be closed.

Can markets operate?

Indoor and outdoor food and farmers markets may continue to operate during the lockdown. Artisan markets must shut during the lockdown.

Can I get a massage?

You can only get a massage if it is for the management or prevention of a disease, injury or condition provided by a registered health practitioner or qualified massage therapist. However, we strongly encourage any non-urgent appointments that can wait until after the lockdown period to be postponed. Physical distancing must be observed to the extent possible.

Are indoor play centres permitted to be open?

No. Indoor play centres will be closed.

Can I swim at my local/public pool/apartment complex?

No. All pools that are not at a private residence will be closed. This includes the use of:

• public pools for swimming lessons, recreational purposes, training and rehabilitation purposes
• pools in shared facilities such as hotels and apartment complexes.

Can I play golf/tennis?

Yes. Golf and tennis are permitted as forms of exercise. However, you must wear a mask when you are indoors and not undertaking strenuous physical exercise. You should wear a mask outdoors when you can’t practice physical distancing, play with no more than one other person who does not live with you, and stay within your local area.

The clubhouse will remain closed except for takeaway.

Can professional horse racing continue to operate?

Yes. Professional horse racing can operate. Physical distancing should be maintained to the extent possible and masks must be worn at all times. No spectators are allowed to attend.

Can I go to a dance/yoga/pilates class?

No. All studios will be shut.

What are the rules for capacity at a cinema, live theatre or any other live performance venue?

All non-essential businesses, such as cinemas, live theatre and any other live performances, in the impacted areas will be closed for the duration of the lockdown period.

Are amusement parks and arcades open?

Facilities outside the impacted areas can remain open. If within the impacted areas, these facilities will be closed.

Can I use my boat or jetski for recreational purposes in greater Brisbane?

Boat owners are permitted to use their boats for essential reasons only. This includes for fishing, shopping, travel to and from work, or to attend permitted appointments.

Boaties must stay within their local area, and social distancing rules apply, at the boat ramp and on your boat. Boaties should only be with one other person, or with family from the same household.

Jetskis cannot be used for recreational purposes in greater Brisbane.

Questions about gatherings

How many visitors can I have at my house at any one time? What if I already have people staying with me?

You can have a maximum of two people visit your home each day, in addition to anyone who is currently staying in your household. Household residents and guests who were staying with you before or when the lockdown period commenced are not considered visitors.

It is important to note that children are included in the two-person limit.

Can I have people come to my home to help complete repairs?

Yes. You can have people enter your home to complete work , such as plumbing or electrical work. There is no limit on the number of workers or volunteers that can come to your home.

What if I have family flying in to visit - are they no longer allowed to come/should they cancel?

They are still able to come but must follow all restrictions and limit their movement within the impacted areas after their arrival for the period of the lockdown. The requirements will include that the person stay at their residence, the hotel, or your home. From 5pm AEST 29 March, you will only be permitted to have a maximum of two people visit your home per day, including people entering to reside with you at your home for the period of the lockdown. These visitors must abide by all restrictions and stay for the period of the lockdown.

Your interstate visitors should check the border restrictions of their home state or territory before flying to Queensland.

Can I meet up with someone outside of my home?

You can only leave your residence for a permitted purpose with members of your household or with no more than one person who is not a member of your household.

Who is a member of my household?

Members of your household are the people who ordinarily reside in your home. This could include family members who are staying with you temporarily during the holidays.

Do children count in the limits on number of people?

Children and infants are included in the total numbers where limits are indicated.

Can you have many visits throughout the day?

No. From 5pm AEST on 29 March, you will only be permitted to have a maximum of two people who do not normally live with you visit your home per day. People who are staying with you temporarily from another area from 5pm AEST 29 March are included as part of the household and therefore not counted as your two visitors.

We want to remind Queenslanders that limited contact with other people is one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. Always practise physical distancing, even when you’re visiting another household – so keep two big steps away from other people and avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes.

Can I hold a protest?

No. Gatherings are limited to no more than two people.

Questions about face masks

When do I have to wear a face mask?/ When can I remove my face mask? Do I have to wear a mask when exercising?

You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, such as:

• shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets
• hospitals and aged care facilities
• indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
• public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport
• airports and travelling on planes.

It is strongly recommended you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares. Read more about face masks.

Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so.

Are children exempt from wearing a mask?

Children under 12 years are exempt from wearing a mask.

If I am an inpatient at a hospital, do I have to wear a mask?

This will be determined by your treating hospital.

I receive care at my own home, do I have to wear a mask?

You are not required to wear a mask when inside your home. However, the carer or healthcare worker providing care must wear a mask.

Who doesn’t have to wear a mask?

#exceptions

Face masks do not have to be worn by:

• infants and children under the age of 12
• anyone who has a medical condition or disability that may be made worse by wearing a mask, including problems with their breathing, a serious skin condition on their face, a mental health condition or experienced trauma
• anyone who is communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
• anyone who has past experiences of trauma and is unable to wear a face mask due to psychological impacts
• anyone whose health and safety would be at risk if they wore a face mask while conducting their work, as determined through Occupational Health and Safety guidelines
• prisoners of corrective facilities or detainees in detention centres
• residents of residential aged care facilities or shared disability accommodation services
• anyone who is being married while in the process of being married
• people during an emergency.

I don’t have a mask/I can’t buy a mask. Will I be fined if I don’t wear one when I need to go get food/medication/help?

Masks are mandatory from 5pm AEST 29 March and compliance measures will be in place.

You can purchase masks from pharmacies and other stores. You can also make your own mask, find out more.

If Queensland Police see you without a mask they will provide you with a mask and not fine you as long as you wear the mask provided.

Do I have to wear a mask while driving?

No. You do not have to wear a mask while driving if you are travelling alone in a private vehicle or with members of your household. A mask is required at all other times.

Do I have to wear a mask while attending a funeral or wedding?

You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

It is strongly recommended you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares. Read more about face masks.

A person may remove their mask when sitting down to eat, undertaking strenuous exercise and employment purposes. There are some exceptions to face masks, including for children under 12 and people with particular medical conditions or disabilities.

These rules also apply for weddings and funerals. At weddings the couple getting married does not have to wear a mask while getting married if indoors. Photos can be taken without the bridal party or guests wearing masks.

What is a public indoor space?

A public indoor space is any space that is not a residence, including commercial premises. For example:

• shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and markets
• public transport
• libraries
• cinemas
• churches and places of worship
• entertainment facilities and sporting stadiums
• recreational facilities and gyms
• indoor workplaces where physical distancing is not possible at airports and on planes

Do I have to wear a mask when I am in an indoor workplace?

You only have to wear a mask in an indoor workplace when physical distancing cannot be followed. This does not include sections of businesses that are dealing with external members of the community.

Certain people lawfully do not have to wear a mask, if the nature of your employment and Occupational Health and Safety guidelines means it is unsafe to wear a mask.

Speak to your employer about their workplace risk measures to see if specific rules apply

Can businesses refuse service to someone if they are not wearing a face mask?

Businesses should not refuse service to people who are not lawfully required to wear a mask.

What sort of mask can I wear?

The best face mask is a single-use surgical mask – you can purchase these at pharmacies. If you are unable to get a surgical mask, any paper or cloth masks are fine to use. The most effective cloth masks are made up of at least 3 layers.

A scarf, snood, face shield or piece of fabric is not an acceptable mask.

Find out how to use, wear and dispose of a face mask.

Do teachers and childcare workers have to wear a mask?

No teachers and childcare workers are not required to wear masks while teaching.

Can I remove my face mask to smoke or use an e-cigarette?

Yes, subject to existing restrictions on smoking in public places in Queensland.

While there isn’t enough evidence to be certain that people who smoke are more likely to be infected by COVID-19, the act of smoking means that fingers are in contact with your lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth.

Find out more about smoking and COVID-19.

I wear traditional or religious garments that cover my head or face, do I have to wear a mask?

Yes.

There are a range of face masks available that can be worn with traditional and religious garments. These include face masks that are tied around the head, rather than looped over the ears.

If you wear a face covering, like a veil or scarf, you should wear your face mask beneath this, so it is fitted to your face.

How do I stop my face mask fogging up my glasses?

Try one of these tips to help prevent your face mask fogging your glasses:

• make sure your face mask is fitted and pinched on your nose if possible
• put your glasses on after your mask
• wash your glasses with detergent and water to create a film to prevent fogging
• you can also use micropore tape (available at all pharmacies) to tape the mask along the bridge of your nose and cheeks, then put your glasses on top
• put a folded tissue across the bridge of your nose, then put your mask on and your glasses on top.

Do I have to wear a mask when I visit friends or family at their house or they visit me?

No, but it is important you wear a mask in any situation where you can't maintain physical distancing. If in doubt, wear a mask

How do I wear a mask correctly if I have a big beard?

Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth, regardless of any facial hair. For non-medical face masks, you do not have to achieve a seal with the mask against the skin of your face.

There are different shapes and sizes of fabric non-medical masks available, some of which may be a more comfortable option if you have facial hair.

Do people have to wear a mask during one-to-one support/counselling sessions where physical distancing can be maintained?

You must wear a mask when you are indoors, unless it is in your own home.

Where can I find out more information about face masks?

Find out how to use, wear and dispose of a face mask.

Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Do I need to lockdown if I have received my COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. From 5pm AEST Monday 29 March 2021 to 5pm AEST Thursday 1 April 2021, areas of Queensland outside of the five Local Government Areas that make up greater Brisbane will be subject to new restrictions. These are areas outside of:

• City of Brisbane
• City of Ipswich
• Logan City
• Moreton Bay Region
• Redland City.

Can I still receive my vaccination during the lockdown?

Yes. You can leave your place of residence during the lockdown to receive a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination.

I don’t want to receive my vaccination during the lockdown, can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes.

If your vaccination appointment was made directly with your GP, contact them directly if you wish to reschedule your appointment.

If your vaccination appointment was arranged through your employer, contact them directly if you wish to reschedule your appointment.

If you made your appointment through the Queensland Health booking system, you can reschedule you appointment directly through the booking system.

What if I was due for my second dose during the lockdown?

You can leave your place of residence during the lockdown to receive a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination.

If I COVID-19 vaccine symptoms, following my COVID-19 vaccination, can I leave my home to get tested?

Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccination might be similar to symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever). The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any live virus and cannot cause COVID-19.

You do not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate if you:

• develop general symptoms like a fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination.
• do not have any respiratory symptoms like a runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste.

If you experience COVID-19 symptoms after the first two days following either you first or second dose, you can leave your place of residence during the lockdown to undertake a COVID-19 test. If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor or nearest testing clinic.

Questions about exemptions

Can I apply for an exemption from a requirement under the Direction?

The Chief Health Officer may give a person or a group of people an exemption from the Restrictions for Impacted Areas Direction only if extreme exceptional circumstances exist.

Questions about penalties

Are there penalties if I don’t comply?

Yes. If you don’t comply you may be given an on-the-spot fine of $1,334 for individuals and $6,670 for corporations, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months' imprisonment.

The penalty for not wearing a mask is $200

Are these rules mandatory?

Yes. A whole of government approach exists for this pandemic and Queensland Police Service is responsible for compliance.