Restrictions ease further in Queensland as COVID-19 cases rise

A COVID-19 vaccine will still be required in some places across the state.

The Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has announced an easing of restrictions for unvaccinated people.

This would allow them to enter certain venues and environments including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, theme parks, casinos, cinemas, weddings, showgrounds, galleries, libraries, museums, and stadiums.

However, you will still need a COVID-19 jab certificate to enter hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, prison facilities, school, as well as childcare centres.

The Premier said “it’s time to reunite Queensland.”

This comes at a time where the country is experiencing a huge rise in virus cases.

Queensland authorities reported 8,534 new COVID-19 cases & 1 death in the past 24 hours.

Victoria and New South Wales recorded a combined total of 31,190 cases on Tuesday, with both states expected to reach their peak within the next two weeks

The state's chief health officer (CHO), Dr John Gerrard, however believes that the state has passed its peak infection wave.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the government has been waiting to remove restrictions until they are confident the restrictions wouldn’t need to be reimposed.

“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.”

"I cannot overstress this; vaccination will remain the key going forward as our restrictions are gradually lifted,” Ms Palaszczuk told reporters.

A small poll conducted by 6 News on Twitter shows that 55% of people do not support the government's allowance of unvaccinated people in certain venues.

With COVID-19 continuing to ravage the country, the CHO has issued a stark warning to all Queenslanders, saying that we will all be exposed to the virus sometime this year.

It is widely predicted that there will be another spike during the winter season.

The state is, however, lagging behind in vaccination rates in 5-11 year old’s - with less than half having had their first dose.

"I cannot overstress this: vaccination will remain the key going forward as our restrictions are gradually lifted," the Queensland Premier said.

There are currently just less than half a million active COVID-19 cases in Australia, but fears that many more could be undetected.

According to Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett, 30% of active cases are asymptomatic.

Help support unbiased journalism & keep us independent: donate just $4 a month on Patreon & receive exclusive benefits.