By Juliano Oliveira
In a week with two days without new cases of COVID-19 registered in Queensland, the State Government has opted for easing the isolation restriction rules.
As of Saturday, May 2, outdoor recreation will be allowed as well as shopping for non-essential items. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also extended the distance that Queenslanders can travel.
Despite the beginning of a potential flexibilization in the “stay-at-home rules”, the Government has imposed conditions ensuring that social distancing and hygiene must be maintained; Queenslanders have to stay within 50km of home and; outings are limited to members of the same household or an individual and one friend.
These new measures will be reviewed after two weeks. The State also highlighted that all other rules including gatherings and limits on visitors remain in place during this time.
“The first sign of a spike we will not hesitate to clamp back,” the Premier said.
“This is a test-run to see what effect easing restrictions has on the containment of COVID-19.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to back this first step so that we can keep the virus away and help everyone start to get their lives back.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young supported the new measures.
“Before you couldn’t leave home unless it was for essential reasons like getting groceries or exercising or going to work and you had to stay in your suburb where possible,” Dr Young said.
“Now we are saying you can have more flexibility but remember we are still having to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski said police will assist people to understand the new rules but will still enforce flagrant breaches.
“Police will be understanding but this isn’t an invitation for people to undo everyone’s hard work,” he said.