What Queensland's new restrictions on gatherings mean for you
New restrictions on gatherings have been introduced in Queensland "effective immediately" following an outbreak of COVID-19 in Ipswich and on Brisbane's southside.
In south-east Queensland, no more than 10 people can now congregate inside a home or outdoors.
Bars and restaurants will remain open despite new gathering limits. Credit:Lydia Lynch
The restrictions on gatherings, which came into force on Saturday morning, will include "people living in the areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Moreton Bay and Redlands", Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
This rule will not apply to venues with a COVID-safe plan, such as bars, gyms and restaurants.
Gatherings outside the south-east corner of the state will be restricted to 30 people – both indoors and outdoors.
"So gyms, restaurants, cafes, bars ... they have COVID-safe plans in place," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"This is where there is no COVID-safe plan and, for example, gatherings in your home or gatherings in public places such as parks."
The new restrictions came as nine new cases were detected in the past 24-hour reporting period, six of which were linked to Brisbane's Youth Detention Centre.
A supervisor at the youth detention centre – a 77-year-old Ipswich woman – tested positive to COVID-19 on Wednesday night, triggering a massive health response.
"What we are concerned about is that people, these people, have been out and about in the community, so what we also need are Queenslanders to realise, especially in south-east Queensland, that if you have any symptoms whatsoever, we need you to get tested now," Ms Palaszczuk said.
The Premier said it was still OK for people to go out and visit bars and restaurants this weekend, as long as they don't breach the 1.5-metre social-distancing rule.
"My message to young people is, if they're going somewhere that has a COVID-safe plan, that's fine.
"If you're thinking about having a party at home, that is not fine.
"If you can just catch up with a few friends, that would be my advice, but going out in a COVID-safe environment is alright, but also practise your social distancing.
"Time and time again I see a lot of young people hugging each other and embracing each other. That's not the time to do it this weekend."
People with the most mild symptoms, including a headache, sniffle or scratchy throat, have been asked to come forward for testing.