PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Tuesday that from 1am, Thursday, April 14 most venues that had previously only been open to vaccinated patrons would now welcome all in a further easing of COVID restrictions just in time for the busy Easter long weekend.
The venues which will now be open to all include:
- Pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants
- Theme parks, casinos and cinemas
- Weddings
- Showgrounds
- Galleries, libraries, museums and stadiums
Vaccination requirements will still apply in vulnerable settings including:
- Hospitals
- Aged and disability care
- Prisons
- Schools and early childhood centres
The Premier said the previous requirements have achieved their purpose which was to slow the spread of COVID.
“More than 90 per cent of Queenslanders 12 and over have been fully vaccinated,” the Premier said.
“The Chief Health Officer advises we can now safely ease these settings and still maintain a high level of protection.”
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said businesses and patrons are being given plenty of notice.
“These measures have done their job,” the Minister said.
“By April 14, it is anticipated we will be at a stage of the current wave where we are comfortable to take this next step.
“But the best defence against serious illness is to be fully vaccinated.
“Our focus is now very much on getting Queenslanders boosted and children vaccinated.”
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard appealed particularly to parents of young children to consider getting vaccinated.
“Numbers of young Queensland children vaccinated are still not where they should be,” Dr Gerrard said.
“Their best protection is the vaccine, and I would encourage every parent to consider it.”
Pop up vaccine hubs will open at around 50 sites including schools across the holidays, in addition to existing sites.
Queenslanders are reminded that masks can be worn when people feel it is necessary to reduce risk.