Queensland Health has issued a statement that says the current lockdown in South East Queensland will continue for another five days as a precaution following new cases in the state.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said to mitigate the risk of further incursions popping up across throughout Queensland, lockdown restrictions for the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) would continue until 4pm Sunday 8 August 2021.
‘The risk to Queensland is continuing to escalate with new locally acquired cases being reported each day.
‘If you do not absolutely need to leave your house, don’t. Now is the time to act to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Dr Young said that as we have seen in other states, the Delta variant spreads rapidly with only fleeting contact, and this poses a significant risk to the community.
Major events cancelled
‘There will be an impact on major events in the South-East. The EKKA, which was due to start on the weekend, will be cancelled.
‘I know the impact on events will be disappointing for many in the community, but large gatherings present a very high risk and it’s one we can’t take at the moment.
Dr Young said it was imperative for those who live in or have been to the 11 LGAs to follow the lockdown rules and only leave home for the essential reasons.
‘Queenslanders, it is vital that you stay at home, look after yourself, your family and your community,’ she said.
‘During the lockdown period, please be cautious and put your health and the health of those around you first.
‘The only permitted reasons to leave your home are to obtain essential goods, services or healthcare (including COVID-19 tests and vaccinations); exercising in your local area; attending essential work or school; assisting a vulnerable person or family member.’
Dr Young is encouraging anyone experiencing even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms, specifically in South-East Queensland and Rockhampton to get tested and self-isolate until you get your result. ‘Testing helps us find as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. Find your nearest testing location here.’
Given the arrangements have been extended, Queensland Health has slightly modified some of the arrangements for household visits:
I am an essential worker. Can someone I trust care for my child?
Yes. Alternate care arrangements are allowed occur for children under 18 if you are undertaking essential work. Please ensure movement is restricted and once the child is in the guardian’s care, they stay at home, other than in essential circumstances. Where a grandparent is undertaking that care, they should be fully vaccinated. Where someone is age 60 or older who is undertaking that care, they should be fully vaccinated.
I provide care for a child (e.g. grandchild). Can I visit their home to perform this duty?
Yes, you can leave your home if you provide care to a family member (for example if you are a grandparent or family member providing care to children). Please restrict your movement as much as possible and stay at the location where the care is being provided. Where a grandparent is undertaking that care, they should be fully vaccinated. Where someone is age 60 or older who is undertaking that care, they should be fully vaccinated.
I am meant to have custody of my child during lockdown. Is this still allowed?
Yes, you are allowed to leave home to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children – whether or not this is court ordered. It does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 such as someone aged over 70.
Can my child attend school and childcare facilities during lockdown?
Only children of essential workers and vulnerable children can attend childcare and school.
All other children should remain at home for the duration of the lockdown.
What are the 11 Local Government areas in lockdown?
The impacted areas of South-East Queensland are:
- City of Brisbane
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- City of Gold Coast
- City of Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City
- Noosa Shire Council
- Redland City
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
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