This week the Queensland Government made a number of key announcements.

On Tuesday 9 November 2021, the Premier announced A Plan for 80% and beyond - Queensland’s Public Health Measures linked to vaccination status. The Plan outlines measures that will see life return to normal for vaccinated Queenslanders once the state reaches the 80% fully vaccinated threshold.

From 17 December 2021, or when 80% of Queenslanders aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated (whichever comes first), restrictions on businesses will be further eased, with many businesses and venues able to return to operating at full capacity.

• There will be no capacity restrictions on businesses where only fully vaccinated people can attend.
• There will however be restrictions on unvaccinated people. These restrictions target non-essential leisure activities which are not essential for people to meet their basic needs, but present a considerable risk to contributing to an outbreak in our community when our borders re-open.
• Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people will still be able to access essential services and activities. This means unvaccinated people will still be able to go to grocery stores, pharmacies and participate in activities like going to the gym for exercise. Capacity restrictions may still be in place at these types of businesses, which will limit the number of people in attendance.

For example, if a Club has both sporting facilities and restaurant/bar facilities, unvaccinated people can only access the sporting or exercise facilities. This would mean if an unvaccinated person attends a golf club, they can play a round of golf but would not be permitted to enter the clubhouse for a meal.

People will still need to check in using the Check In Qld app, however from 19 November 2021, vaccination certificates can be linked into the app, making it simple and easy to prove vaccination status.

We know the information currently available will not answer every question you have regarding how the new measures will specifically impact your organisation. However, once the updated Public Health Direction is published, the Department will distribute further messaging and be in a better position to answer your specific enquiries. However, in the meantime we would encourage you to review the Questions and Answers available on the website to gain a good understanding of why these restrictions are coming into effect and what it means for you more broadly.

Lastly, on Wednesday 11 November 2021, 80% of eligible Queenslanders had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This means you are no longer required to wear a face mask indoors, except for on planes and at airports. Whilst no longer mandatory, you are still encouraged to keep wearing masks anywhere you cannot physically distance.

The easing of restrictions are made possible because so many Queenslanders have already made the choice to be vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting those around you.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support in keeping the Queensland community safe.

Ben Callard