Overview
With COVID-19 cases numbers continuing to rise in both Victoria and New South Wales — with Melbourne just over two weeks into its second lockdown and three Sydney local government areas identified as hotspots by the Queensland Government — the Sunshine State has tightened some restrictions for licensed venues in an effort to maintain social distancing.
In an announcement made on Friday, July 24, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said that patrons will now need to stay seated while eating and drinking in pubs, clubs, hotels and nightclubs — a return to the previous rule that was in effect until the beginning of July.
"For the last three weeks, patrons have been allowed to stand, although we've still asked them to maintain the one person per four square metres," Dr Young first noted, then explained that the government now needs "to send a very, very clear signal out there to everyone" about adhering to social distancing. "So I do ask that everyone, when you go into a facility, that you take a seat — because that reminds you to keep your distance from other people."
In effect immediately, the compulsory restriction still enables folks to go to the bar to buy a drink, order food, and collect both meals and beverages; however you'll then need to take your drink and/or food back to your seat, whether at your table or to your chair along the bar, before you tuck in. And, while you're sitting and either knocking back your beverage of choice, eating a meal or both, the existing density rules (one person per two square metres for smaller venues below 200 square metres, one person per four square metres otherwise) still apply.
"We have seen what has happened in Victoria and NSW with just a few cases. We really need to be prepared for if we get a case in Queensland, so that we can manage it," Dr Young advised.
As at midday on Saturday, July 25, Queensland has five active cases of COVID-19, from a total of 1076 since the pandemic began.
The new restrictions for Queensland pubs, clubs and hotels are now in effect. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in the state, head to the Queensland Government website.
Top image: Atlanta Bell