Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says new measures agreed to by the National Cabinet Wednesday are about containment and limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
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Ms Palaszczuk said the Federal Government has now declared a Human Biosecurity Emergency which allows it to take action under the Biosecurity Act.
"That does not mean that it is a time for panic. It is a time for important decisions to be made to keep all Australians safe," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Overseas travel by Australians is no longer an option. The biggest threat to our country with this virus has been Australians returning from other countries."
The Premier said the PM's announcement of bans on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people for non-essential purposes would be enforced in Queensland.
The list is still being finalised but essential gatherings will include airports, public transport, medical and emergency facilities jails, courts, the Parliament, business premises, construction and mining sites, schools, universities, child care centres, hotels, motels, supermarkets and malls.
"Whatever gathering you are attending, social distancing should be practiced - everybody has a duty to do this, every single one of us and we must set the example," the Premier said.
There will be no change to domestic air travel because it is considered low risk. However, parts of the country - such as vulnerable indigenous communities - should be avoided to limit the spread of the virus.
The Premier said Queensland schools will remain open based on the best possible health advice.
"The advice tells us that this virus operates differently in children," she said.
"But if your child appears to be ill, keep them at home. Don't send them to school.
"If you are a teacher or a cleaner or work in the office at a school and you are unwell, you must stay at home."
The Premier said disrupting our schools for what will be at least six months would be catastrophic.
For aged care facilities, strict restrictions will now come into place.
The following visitors and staff, including visiting workers should not be permitted and will not be permitted to enter an aged care facility, such as:
- Those who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days;
- Those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days;
- Those with fever or symptoms or acute respiratory infection, those who haven't been vaccinated against influenza after the 1st of May.
The facilities must also implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors to reduce the risk of transmission to residents.
Limiting visits to a short duration:
- Limiting visits to a maximum of two visitors at one time per day. These may be immediate social supports, family members, close friends or professional service or advocacy workers;
- Visits should be conducted in a resident's room, outdoors or in a specific area designated by the facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to other residents is greater;
- There should be no large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, to be permitted at this time;
- No school groups or baby groups of any size should be allowed to visit aged care facilities;
- Visitors should be encouraged, as all Australians are, to practice social distancing, where possible;
- Children aged 16 years or less should be visiting only by exception, as they generally won't necessarily follow the hygiene measures all the time like adults will and children can be asymptomatic.
Anzac Day ceremonies will be cancelled across Australia and there will be a televised national event from the Canberra war memorial.
Like the PM, the Premier condemned panic buying,
"It is not necessary. We are not going to run out of food in Queensland," she said.
"I understand that people are anxious, they are stressed but it saddens me that some Queenslanders are behaving this way at the expense of others.
"People going into supermarkets and raiding them at this particular point in time or hoarding is putting the lives of some of our less fortunate in our society at great risk.
"I say stop it."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
