Overview
With a nickname like the Sunshine State, Queensland is obviously known for its warm weather, as well as the outdoor lifestyle such sunny climes allows. And, from Thursday, October 1, the State Government is encouraging Queenslanders to spend as much time outside as possible — by increasing capacity caps at openair venues such as beer gardens and outdoor dining areas, as well as at events held outside, and at outdoor stadiums.
As announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today, Friday, September 25, the new limits will kick in at 1am when September ticks over to October — with different restrictions in place for different situations. For outdoor venues with a COVID-safe plan, for instance, they'll be able to increase patron density from one person per four square metres to one person per two square metres, doubling the amount of folks allowed in outside areas. As well as cafes, pubs and other places with outdoor seating spaces, this expanded limit also apply to theme parks and zoos.
For events with a COVID-safe checklist, attendee caps will increase from 500 to 1000, again doubling the number of people permitted. And, with the AFL finals season about to kick off — in the lead up to the grand final, which'll be held at the Gabba and mark the first time ever it's played outside of Victoria — stadium capacity will increase from 50 percent to 75 percent as well. The latter will also come into effect for outdoor amphitheatres and performance venues that have a COVID-safe plan, so it'll extend beyond the footy.
As part of the announcement, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young explained that she is "getting more and more information that outdoors is the best place to be". She noted that "wherever possible, I strongly recommend that as much as possible people move their lives outdoors" — while recommending that people indoors should be opening up windows to let fresh air circulate.
It has been a big week for changing restrictions in Queensland, with today's announcement marking the third in a number of days. As of this morning, gathering limits at home and in public places have increased to 30 in Brisbane and a number of other nearby local government areas, in line with the rest of the state — and, also on Thursday, October 1, Queensland will expand its border bubble zone, allowing folks from northern NSW to enter the state and letting Queenslanders head down south and return, both without quarantining.
For more information about southeast Queensland's COVID-19 gathering restrictions, or about the status of COVID-19 in the state, visit the Qld COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Top image: Atlanta Bell.