The lifting of Greater Brisbane's snap three-day lockdown has come just in time for the Easter long weekend, with holidays, church services and big events now allowed to proceed as planned.
Key points:
- Some restrictions remain across the state, including that all Queenslanders must carry a mask outside the home
- Eased restrictions allow parishioners across Greater Brisbane to attend church services over Easter
- The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is back on for its 73rd year
Some restrictions will remain across the state, including a requirement for all Queenslanders to carry a mask outside the home.
Gatherings at homes across the state will be limited to 30 people, and patrons at food and beverage venues must be seated.
Odette and Jack Pryor said they were "ecstatic" that lockdown orders were lifted in time for their long-awaited Easter camping trip with friends.
"It was teetering on a knife's edge, so we're just really glad that it fell the right way and Easter's back on," Ms Pryor said.
Mr Pryor said he was looking forward to having a relaxed holiday with no phone reception.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said it was good news for Far North Queensland tourism operators, hit hard by the recent end of JobKeeper.
"Passenger numbers just dropped like a stone when the lockdown took effect," Mr Barker said.
"We're expecting a strong rebound … as people rescheduled their flights and get up here for the school holidays.
The lockdown decision came too late for Victorian resident Amy Crosbie, who was preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday in Brisbane tomorrow after a trip to Longreach.
"I was to have had a birthday party with four of my grandchildren and three of my great grandchildren," Ms Crosbie said.
"That of course isn't on now — we've got to go straight home.
"It's costly if you change your travel – they charge you the earth, which is rather sad."
ABC News: Ellie Grounds
)Families hoping to visit loved ones in aged care homes, disability accommodation, hospitals and prisons over the Easter period have also been left disappointed.
Those facilities will be closed to visitors for the next two weeks.
Masked churchgoers to gather for Easter
The easing of restrictions will allow parishioners across Greater Brisbane to attend church services for the holiest time on the Christian calendar.
Like businesses, churches must follow the one person per 2 square metre rule.
Anglican Dean of Brisbane, Peter Catt, said he was flooded with relief.
"Easter last year was so challenging," Dr Catt said.
ABC News: Brittney Kleyn
)Churchgoers will be required to wear masks, socially distance, sanitise their hands and have their temperatures taken.
Brisbane Hillsong pastor Nick Khiroya said allowing people to gather in person for Easter was "the greatest news".
"Easter is about hope and I think that's exactly what people need in this season," he said.
"Being able to come into the church physically together, celebrate, worship together, I think it means the world for people.
Green light for Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
The famous Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is back on for its 73rd year, along with the accompanying Gladstone Harbour Festival.
Locals had been on alert after a man visited the region while infectious with COVID-19.
Gladstone restaurant manager Melissa Bryan said it was good to have a reason to celebrate again.
"It has been a little quieter than usual — we've just been taking it day-by-day," Ms Bryan said.
"We are in unknown territory … hopefully we'll have a busy weekend with everything that's expected at the Harbour Festival."
What you need to know about coronavirus:
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiaWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTA0LTAyL3F1ZWVuc2xhbmQtY29yb25hdmlydXMtZ29vZC1mcmlkYXktZWFzdGVyLWFmdGVyLWxvY2tkb3duLzEwMDA0NTY3NNIBKGh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMDAwNDU2NzQ?oc=5
2021-04-01 19:49:57Z
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