Southeast Queensland Is Keeping Its Existing Gathering and Venue Rules for Two More Weeks

Overview

After a few months of constant changes when it comes to COVID-19 rules, requirements and restrictions, folks in southeast Queensland won't need to adjust their behaviour again until at least 4pm on Friday, September 24. When Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last announced amendments to Queensland's restrictions towards the end of August, she noted that the new requirements would be effective for at least two weeks, and that they'd be assessed fortnightly moving forward. Today, Friday, September 10, marks that first review point — and, as the Queensland Government has just revealed, everything that's currently in place is staying that way for another fortnight.

Since July, southeast Queensland has weathered quite the rollercoaster ride. The area has been through two separate lockdowns, and seen strict rules put in place after each stay-at-home stint, with requirements tightening and easing multiple times. Over the past two weeks, though, the region has been enjoying some of the most relaxed rules it's had for a while — and that'll remain the case now for the next two weeks as well.

You always know things are getting loose when dancing is allowed (goodbye, Footloose) — as it is under current rules. As you've no doubt enjoyed over the past fortnight, there's also no longer be any limits on how many people can gather outdoors in public spaces. And, at home, the 100-person cap is in place.

Retro's

For indoor premises — including hospitality businesses such as clubs, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as galleries, museums, convention centres and places of worship — the one person per two-square-metres density limit is in effect. Where these types of venues are ticketed and have allocated seating, they can fill those areas to 100 percent, too, as can cinemas, theatres and live music venues.

Also, eating and drinking standing is allowed — hello, vertical consumption — so there's something else to say cheers to.

Stadiums are back to 100-percent capacity for ticketed events with allocated seating (yes, it's football finals season). Indoor events can also either fill to 100-percent if seated and ticketed, or stick to the one person per two-square-metres rule if not.

Masks are still staying for now, however. Queensland has a standing mask mandate for flights, airports and stadiums, so you'll always need to mask up there — and, for another fortnight at least, they're mandatory on public transport, in ride shares and while waiting for both; in all indoor spaces other than your own home, including hospitality businesses, unless you're eating and/or drinking; in schools; and outdoors if you can't remain 1.5 metres away from people who aren't part of your household. Also, you will still need to always carry a mask with you.

In general, Queenslanders are asked to keep social distancing, maintaining the hygiene practices that have been in place since March 2020, and checking the state's list of exposure sites — and to get tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms.

And yes, these restrictions will be keep being reviewed again fortnightly from this point onwards, if you're wondering when the rules could relax again.

Southeast Queensland's current COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place until at least 4pm on Friday, September 24. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.

Top image: Atlanta Bell.