by Aristine Dobson – Hospitality Magazine
Queensland’s snap lockdown has been extended until 4:00pm on Sunday 8 August in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
The initial lockdown, announced last Saturday, was originally slated to run for three days.
Venues from the following local government areas (LGAs) will be restricted to takeaway and delivery:
- City of Brisbane
- City of Gold Coast
- City of Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City
- Moreton Bay Region
- Noosa Shire Council
- Redland City
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Masks must also be worn in indoor workplaces and outside.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has urged Queenslanders to stay at home.
“We need to lock down really, really hard, the hardest we have ever locked down,” she said.
“I am very confident that with the strategies we have in place … and with the cooperation of every single Queenslander, we will get through it.
“But to get through it by 4:00pm on Sunday, when this current lockdown will end, I need every single person in Queensland, no matter where you are, to immediately come forward and get tested if you have any symptoms.”
The Queensland Government has responded to the extension with the announcement of a $260 million package for small and medium businesses affected by the COVID-19 lockdown and lockdowns in other states.
“To date, Queensland’s economy has recovered quickly from short sharp lockdowns, but we have seen the damage the delta strain is causing in other jurisdictions,” said Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick.
“Until now, our lockdowns have been months apart, which has given businesses time to recover.
“But we understand two lockdowns within a month presents a new challenge, which is why I am announcing this package today.”
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support grant will see $5,000 payments issued to small and medium businesses across the state.
Large businesses in the hospitality sector within the 11 LGAs will also receive financial support.
“While government cannot fully compensate businesses for the impact of necessary lockdowns, these payments will provide cashflow support for businesses to help them adapt to evolving circumstances,” said the Treasurer.
A call has also been put out to local councils in each LGA, with the Treasurer asking them to consider putting together additional support packages for businesses.
”This could include councils contributing to supporting business cashflows and viability through the waiving of rates, fees and charges paid by small businesses or by providing a co-contribution towards the Queensland Government’s business support grant program.”
