Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the government will drop restrictions on fully vaccinated people once the targeted 80 percent of eligible Queenslanders are fully vaccinated.
With 79.6 percent of all Queenslanders 16 years and over having had their first dose and 67.4 percent already double-vaccinated, the Sunshine State is well on track to reach that 80 percent mark and reopen its borders on the set December 17 date announced several weeks ago.
At that time business, including hospitality venues, will be able to fully operate without any COVID restrictions in place on the proviso all staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.
Premier Palaszscuk said the plan was to return life back to normal is in line with health advice and the decision represented a reward for the fully vaccinated for when the borders open.
“The pandemic has been a long road for so many Queenslanders. They deserve to have their lives returned to normal,” she said, adding that getting vaccinated was the best way to keep “our freedoms.”
The double vaccination rules apply to the following:
- Pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes
- Government Stadia, galleries, museums and libraries
- Entertainment venues including live music, karaoke, indoor and outdoor festivals.
Commenting on the announcement, Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) CEO, Trevor Rawnsley said he applauded the government move as one that provides certainty for the industry.
“Now everyone knows what the rules are,” he said.
“Those who are double-vaccinated get the reward and those who haven’t yet, get an incentive to get double-vaccinated.
“The way that this has positive impact on business is that everybody knows if you want to go to the footy, you need to be double-vaccinated – it’s as simple as that.
“The lagging number of Queenslanders who remain vax-hesitant now have a compelling reason to get vaccinated.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
Hi – Will double vaccination rules apply to holiday accommodation please?
Good morning Derek,
Thank you very much for your question.
Please be advised I am trying to get an official response from Queensland Health and as soon as we have the information we will be back in contact immediately.
Good morning Derek – I received the following from Queensland Health overnight.
Under the current Public Health and Social Measures linked to vaccination status – A PLAN FOR 80% AND BEYOND, unvaccinated people are not prohibited from hotels, motels, Air BNBs etc. However COVID-19 density restrictions may still apply, as per Queensland’s current COVID Safe Future Roadmap.
It should be noted that bars, restaurants and nightclubs within hotel premises are still considered to be hospitality venues under the plan and only vaccinated staff and patrons are permitted to enter them.
Derek, given that some hoteliers are insisting their guests be double-vaccinated, as an example the owner of Paradise Resort Gold Coast, in the current environment it is best that people check what requirements individual hotels, motels, AirBNBs, etc, have in place when making initial booking enquiries.
We are of course continuing to monitor the situation closely and as and when it does change, we will be covering the story accordingly to let our readers know what is going on.
I hope this answers your question.
Again thank you for making contact.
Kind regards,