- Further restrictions on social gathering places introduced from midday today
- Queensland schools still open
- Local Government Elections going ahead as planned
Following a meeting of National Cabinet last night, the Prime Minister has announced further measures on social gathering places which will be mandated from midday today (Monday 23 March) in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Social gathering places to be restricted from opening from midday today include:
- Registered and licensed clubs
- Hotels and pubs licensed areas (not accommodation)
- Entertainment venues, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs
- Restaurants and cafes (to provide take away or home delivery only)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Places of worship
Shopping centres will continue to operate as normal but within the social distancing guidelines of one person per 4 square metres.
These Stage 1 restrictions will be reviewed on a monthly basis and are expected to be in place for at least the next six months. Further restrictions may be introduced if required on the basis of health advice to control the spread of coronavirus.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced this morning that Queensland schools still remain open (NSW and Victoria closing their schools) and at this stage Local Government Elections will still be going ahead this Saturday 28 March.
It is understood, Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad will be making an announcement tomorrow on a household assistance package for Queensland.
As we highlighted yesterday, on the back of the additional $66 billion economic package announced by the Prime Minister, we look forward to seeing urgent action from State authorities to add to the Federal Government's measures to support businesses and jobs. We will continue our positive engagement with our State MPs as these measures are being designed and will continue to keep our members and business community updated throughout this challenging time.
