Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Qld lockdown eases as COVID-19 cases drop
With coronavirus cases continuing to fall, Queensland is getting set to reopen parks, playgrounds and public gym equipment.
May 13, 2020
Queenslanders will soon be able to use parks, playgrounds and barbecues as the state takes a giant stride toward reopening following another day of no new coronavirus cases.
Road trips are back on the agenda with residents allowed to travel up to 150km from home by the weekend – increasing to 500km for those in the Outback.
Parks and beachfronts will also be reopened along with many skate parks, outdoor basketball courts and sports fields, for groups of up to 10 people.
Only 19 active cases remain active from the 1051 recorded in Queensland.
Despite the drop in new cases, authorities continue to urge people with respiratory illness symptoms to get tested as social distancing restrictions are eased.
The state’s Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has also previously urged Queenslanders to get their flu vaccination before employees begin to return to offices across the state.
The low rate of coronavirus cases across the state is likely to lead to further restrictions being eased.
Up to five people from the one household are currently permitted to visit another home. However, from Saturday, up to 10 people will be able to gather outside at weddings, pools and for exercise.
Kindy, Prep, and students from Years 1, 11 and 12 have returned to the classroom this week, with other years expected to return to school from May 25.