While NSW issues an alert
Greater Brisbane will start a three-day lockdown from 5pm today following four confirmed community transmission cases of the mutant UK strain of COVID-19.
“This is essential that we do this to stop further transmission,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“We‘ve seen what’s happened in other countries. I don’t want to see that happen to Queensland. I don’t want to see that happen to Australia.
“I know this is a big call – we have Easter coming up and school holidays – but let’s do it now and come through the other end. This is a protective measure but it’s the right thing to do on the health advice.”
BREAKING: Greater Brisbane will go into a three-day lockdown and restrictions will come into place across Queensland after cases of COVID-19 transmission were detected in the community. pic.twitter.com/LBJuWXxlFi
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 28, 2021
Masks will be mandatory and schools will close, and already the state is trying to downplay any panic.
Please don’t rush out and panic buy. The supermarkets are full of supplies and will operate as per usual. Groceries and essentials will still be available while we’re in lockdown.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 28, 2021
In a nutshell:
Greater Brisbane to enter shutdown for 3 days
Residents and people who have visited the area since March 20th can only leave the house for four “essential’ reasons:
- Essential work
- Food
- Medical Reasons
- Exercise
Monday 29 March – coronavirus cases in Queensland:
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 28, 2021
• 4 new locally acquired
• 6 overseas acquired
• 73 active cases
• 1,456 total cases
• 2,147,661 tests conducted
Sadly, six Queenslanders with COVID-19 have died. 1,343 patients have recovered.#covid19 pic.twitter.com/Il8rFIUdAy
Employers in the hospitality and tourism sectors – both important drivers for the Queensland economy - will be reeling.
“It’s devastating news and a cruel blow” said Daniel Gschwind of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. “We were hoping that Easter would bring the relief that we need”.
Following the news, NSW health has issued an alert for two venues in Byron Bay that have been classified to be “at risk” from the latest Qld cluster – Byron Bay Beach Hotel on Friday March 23rd, and The Farm at Byron Bay on March 28th.
NSW Health is urging anyone in the Byron Bay area with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing and self-isolate immediately. To find your nearest clinic, visit: https://t.co/LmeATIQK4Z, or contact your GP.
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) March 29, 2021
Visitors to either venue at the relevant time and date are being told to get tested and then isolate until further notice.
