Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Greater Brisbane’s strict lockdown will end at 6pm tonight, Monday 11 January, but a directive on the wearing of masks for at least the next 10 days has been issued, which will also apply to any Warwick and Stanthorpe residents who were in the Greater Brisbane area on or since Saturday 2 January.
At a media conference in Brisbane this morning it was announced that until 1am on Friday 22 January masks –
• Must be worn in indoor places including shopping centres and supermarkets, gyms, workplaces where people cannot socially distance and where it is safe, places of worship, libraries, public transport, taxis and ride share vehicles
• Must be carried at all times
• Are not required to be worn when outdoors at a safe distance from other people (for example, walking a dog), in private vehicles or doing strenuous exercise
Ms Palaszczuk said the gradual easing of restrictions follows the best health advice.
“The evidence tells us the lockdown has done its job,” the Premier said.
“Dr Young has asked for these further 10 days of measures in the Greater Brisbane area.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry and it’s better to be sure.”
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said this was the first step in easing out of the lockdown restrictions.
“We must not get complacent,” Minister D’Ath said.
“This decision was not made lightly. We know this new variant is much more contagious, which is why it is so important we continue to have some restrictions in place for a short period of time.
“We must remember why we are doing this – to protect ourselves, and the people around us, especially those most vulnerable.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the measures mirror those in other states.
“The pandemic is still with us,” Dr Young said.
“We have achieved so much this past weekend.
“It’s important we come out of it carefully and sensibly.”
