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June 30, 2026

Queensland COVID update: SEQ lockdown lifted

Latest News

Fresh ink: new releases making their festival debut

This year’s Byron Writers Festival is a first-look destination, with several of Australia’s most anticipated new books arriving at the festival before the ink has barely dried.

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Queensland Health says the state recorded nine locally acquired cases yesterday, seven linked to the ‘Indooroopilly cluster’, one in the Cairns community and one on the Gold Coast currently under investigation.

The seven cases linked to the cluster were in quarantine and as a result, are not a risk to the community.

The cases take the cluster to 109, which includes 69 people aged 19 or under.

This includes 49 students and four teachers. Five schools are associated with this cluster.

There are more than 15,000 contacts associated with the cluster, including more than 11,000 in home quarantine. Of these, more than 400 are health workers.

SEQ lockdown lifted, some restrictions remain 

From 4pm yesterday, Sunday 8 August, the 11 Local Government Areas in South East Queensland came out of lockdown. Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young applauded Queenslanders for pulling off something truly special.

Dr Young said communities and families across south east Queensland had made significant sacrifices. ‘I would like to thank everyone in the 11 local government areas who has remained vigilant and followed the restrictions brilliantly,’ said Dr Young.

‘Although several restrictions will remain to ensure everyone’s wellbeing over the next two weeks, I am so pleased we can do that only a week after we implemented it.

‘Please continue wearing masks, practising good hygiene and maintaining social distancing. This is imperative, and I know we will all do the right thing for one another.’

What’s changed from 8 August 2021

Some restrictions will continue to apply for the next two weeks, including:

  • Mask wearing at all times (including workplaces) except when eating or drinking, or exercising with your household or one other person.
  • Schools will reopen, with all staff and high school students wearing masks
  • 10 people in your home, including people who live there
  • 20 at weddings and funerals
  • Businesses and venues with one person per four square metres, or 50 percent capacity with seated, ticket allocations
  • Community sport not permitted
  • Avoid travelling to regional Queensland
  • Visitors allowed to hospitals, aged care and disability accommodation

Cairns lockdown until Wednesday 11 August at 4pm

A positive COVID-19 case was discovered in Cairns on Saturday night, prompting a 3-day lockdown for Cairns and Yarrabah communities starting today, 8 August at 4pm and scheduled to end Wednesday, 11 August at 4pm.

It is vital that Queenslanders follow the lockdown procedure for the next three days to ensure we can suppress any spread of this variant.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the decision was made to protect the Cairns and Yarrabah community as the case was in the community during their infectious period for 10 days. ‘The case has been sick for a long time, out in the community and driving people around,’ said.

‘There is a real risk that this could spread and that is why we must go early.

‘The lockdown for Cairns and Yarrabah communities will initially be three days, and I genuinely hope that’s all that is needed.

‘Please, let us stick to the letter and the spirit of the direction for the next few days and support each other through this.”

More information will be available on the Queensland Health website soon.

Contact tracing and fever clinics

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19.

Additional testing clinics and capacity is being added to facilities in Cairns.

We are asking all Queenslanders to regularly monitor the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website and follow the public health advice.

Public health alert – new exposure sites for Manunda, Parramatta Park and Cairns City

A public health alert is being issued for contact tracing location in Manunda, Parramatta Parka and Cairns City.

More than 300 exposure sites are published on the Queensland Health contact tracing webpage and Queenslanders are reminded to keep checking the list.

If you have been to a listed location in the specified timeframe, follow the public health advice.

Contact tracing venues can be found at Contact tracing (exposure sites) — coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19.

To access a full list of COVID-19 testing locations, with interactive map and post code search, visit www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing.


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Life shows life expectancy in Australia has decreased slightly for the second year in a row.

Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19

An international team of researchers has found more evidence that COVID-19 came from animals in a Wuhan food market.

Editorial – There’s a bat in my lab! 

The lab-leak theory that Covid-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology – instead of a nearby wet market – was thrashed about in public recently, with the US Senate Homeland Security Committee holding a hearing into Covid-19. 

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

COVID-19 update for New South Wales

Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.

Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.

Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.



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The ghosts of generations – Siang Lu at Byron Writers Festival 2026

The Byron Writers Festival talks to author Siang Lu about his book, Ghost Cities, which won the Miles Franklin Award in 2025.

Ballina Council finds savings in chairs

At its last meeting, as part of a long discussion about amendments to Ballina Council's delivery program and operational plan, there was a debate about whether Ballina Richmond Rotary Club should still be paid $8,000 to set up chairs for the RSL Lighthouse Day Club.

Man in court today after alleged pursuit near Kingscliff

A man will face court today after an alleged pursuit in December last year.

It’s investors who are causing the housing shortage

For years, people have been talking about how high house prices are, how you can’t get into the housing market without the bank of mum and dad. How it is virtually impossible to rent, save a mortgage, and then actually buy a property without placing yourself in housing stress.