Queenslanders will be able to stand while they and drink from Friday afternoon as a road map for further easing of restrictions is announced which reveals the border to NSW will likely open on November 1.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released road map which breaks down the further easing of restrictions into three parts.
“We have always said that we would continue to ease restrictions where we could in a staged and balanced way to keep Queenslanders safe – and this plan does just that,” she said.
“We’ve had to make hard decisions, but it is because of these and the hard work of Queenslanders that we are in the position to continue easing restrictions.”
Under the road map, stage 4 began at 1 am on October 1, 2020, which added extra local government areas included in the declared border zone across northern NSW.
Those at indoor and outdoor venues with a COVID Safe plan will be permitted to stand while eating and drinking from 4 pm on October 2, and outdoor density increases to one person per 2sqm.
Outdoor events have also doubled capacity from 500 to 1000 people.
Stage 5 would be put in place at 1 am on November 1, which would see the borders open to New South Wales, with visitors and returned travellers to having to complete mandatory quarantine.
But the border will only open if there was no community transmission in NSW for 28 days.
“We have made it very clear that our borders have kept us safe … We’re watching NSW very closely,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Under stage 5, gatherings of up to 40 people will be permitted in homes and public spaces across the state, and 40 people can dance at weddings.
