Friday, 1 May 2020

Queensland restrictions ease slightly this weekend - what does it mean for businesses?

The Home Confinement Direction has been updated to reflect an easing of restrictions coming into effect from Saturday, 2 May.

In addition to leaving home for essential purposes, people in Queensland may leave home for recreational activity such as having a picnic, going for a drive, taking a boat out or shopping for non-essential items. This recreational activity must be within 50km of their home, undertaken with members of their household, or one other person, and all people must continue to practice social distancing.

It is important to note that recreation does not include staying overnight - the easing of restrictions refers to day trips only.

In relation to commercial business operations, Queensland Health has provided Tourism and Events Queensland and tourism operators further clarity on permitted operations from this Saturday, 2 May:
  • Recreational hire items such as stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, boats, scooters and surfboards are not listed as non-essential businesses and are able to operate while adhering to social distancing and good hygiene practices. Clients must remain within a 50km radius of their principal place of residence and can only be accompanied by members of their household, or one other person.
  • Lessons (along the lines of personal training - instructor plus one) on recreational craft such as paddle boards, kayaks or surfboards are permitted while adhering to social distancing and good hygiene practices. Clients must remain within a 50km radius of their principal place of residence.
  • Social sporting-based activities such as sailing trips, diving trips or fishing charters are limited to two people, with social distancing observed and while remaining within 50km of your principal place of residence. Long distance, off-shore or overnight trips are not considered appropriate recreation activities.

Previously closed retail stores may re-open, as there is no public health direction restricting these businesses and the Home Confinement Direction changes now allow Queenslanders to leave home to visit these retailers. See FAQs for more scenarios.

In addition, the Non-Essential Business Direction has been updated to provide even further clarity on who can stay in accommodation. These restrictions remain in place above and beyond the upcoming changes to the Home Confinement Direction.

From 12:01am, Saturday 2 May, some areas of National Parks will reopen for day use only. This includes the reopening of summit tracks at Mount Coolum, the Glasshouse Mountains and Mt Bartle Frere. All camping areas and camp sites in Queensland's national parks, forests and recreation areas are closed. Full park closures apply to Mt Barney, Moogerah Peaks, Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Moreton Island (Moorgumpin), North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and Fraser Island (K'Gari).

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