Queensland Is Relaxing Gathering and Venue Restrictions (and Allowing Dancing) From 4pm Today

Overview

If there's one thing that the Queensland Government has enjoyed throughout the pandemic, it's easing the state's COVID-19 rules just before the weekend hits. And at 4pm today, Friday, August 27, that's exactly what'll happen again — with all of Queensland set to be under the same restrictions for the first time in some time, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced.

Over the past few months, southeast Queensland has weathered quite the rollercoaster ride when it comes to COVID-19 requirements. 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. But, this weekend, the region will revert back to some of the most relaxed rules it's had for more than a month. You always know things are getting loose when dancing is allowed again, after all.

The state is rolling back its current restrictions regarding gatherings, venues and making shapes — so great ready for bigger parties, more folks hanging out in the great outdoors, and busier bars, cafes, restaurants and venues. The changes come one week after the last set of eased restrictions came in, and yes, things really have been changing quite quickly of late.

Wondering what you'll be able to do? There'll no longer be any limits on how many people can gather outdoors in public spaces— and at home, the 100-person cap is back.

Another big shift that's hitting at the same time: amending the rules for indoor premises, with a one person per two-square-metres capacity cap coming into effect. That'll apply to hospitality businesses such as clubs, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as to galleries, museums, convention centres and places of worship. If 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.

And, dancing is coming back as well, after another month or of Queensland resembling Footloose. Also, you can eat and drink standing up again — 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, just in time for football finals across various codes. 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 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 the next 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.

The Premier advised that Queensland's restrictions will be reviewed fortnightly from this point onwards, if you're wondering when the rules could relax again.

Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions will relax further from 4pm on Friday, August 27. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.

Image: Retro's.