Revellers travelling into party precincts are being reminded they may not be able to enter popular venues tonight following upgraded restrictions on indoor gatherings.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is providing ongoing support to Queensland Health as part of a co-ordinated whole of government response to the COVID-19 situation.
A multi-agency taskforce operating under Operation Sierra Linnet and involving officers from the QPS and the Office of Liquor and Gaming, will conduct compliance checks in entertainment precincts this evening.
All non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and non-essential outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people are prohibited following a direction from the Queensland Chief Health Officer on March 20.
Non-essential indoor gatherings under 100 people require risk mitigation measures to be followed to ensure the health of those attending.
For social venues, pubs and clubs, the total number of people including staff must be less than 100 people per uninterrupted space. In addition, there must be sufficient space to allow for four square metres per person for each indoor room.
Where there is an increased number of interactions, an individual’s attendance should be less than two hours duration.
People planning to attend pubs and clubs may be turned away from venues when capacity is reached for their own health. With many venues closed, people are being urged to consider alternative entertainment options. It is important to understand people between the age of 20 and 39 represent a large portion of those being affected by COVID-19.
The joint taskforce will work closely with venue managers in providing assistance and advice to ensure their premises are compliant.
Police have certain powers under the Public Health Act 2005 (PHA) to ensure compliance with the intent of the PHA, and penalty provisions apply.
For more information regarding new regulations and health advice visit health.qld.gov.au.
