The current Queensland Public Health Emergency Declaration has been extended to enable Queensland to continue to Unite and Recover from COVID-19.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the hard work of Queenslanders has allowed us to ensure Queensland remains in a strong position against COVID-19.
“Extending the current Public Health Emergency Declaration means Queensland can stay open for Queenslanders and keep the economy moving,” Mr Miles said.
“Since the start of the pandemic we have responded strongly, and now we are able to enjoy social activities, our pubs and clubs are open, gym classes are on, and hair and beauty services are open.
“Many Queenslanders have taken the opportunity to explore our great state, boosting the economy and tourism in the far north.
“We are able to do this, because of the hard work of Queenslanders.”
Deputy Premier Miles said people in Victoria are still unable to enjoy some of the freedoms that have been open to Queenslanders for months now.
“In Victoria, people are unable to have visitors in their homes, they are unable to go for coffee or lunch at their favourite café and many are still in strict lockdown,” Mr Miles said.
“Sadly, Victoria is still recording new cases each day and more than 798 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Here in Queensland, while we still have some restrictions in place, we are slowly and steadily opening and lifting up.
“While COVID-19 remains a threat around the globe, we will continue to always have plans in place to quickly respond if required. The extension of the Public Health Emergency Declaration will help us do just that.
“Queenslanders can feel confident that our health system is working to keep them safe from the virus, but also that their hard work has helped us get to where we are now.”
Dr Jeannette Young said that the extension to the declared public health emergency is just one of the mechanisms being used to keep Queenslanders safe.
“Extending the public health emergency makes sure that we can continue to do everything within our power to protect Queenslanders from COVID-19,” Dr Young said.
“We can’t forget that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and our response to the pandemic must continue.
“We have proven the strength of our response time and time again here in Queensland and for that I would like to thank Queenslanders for working with us.”
The current public health emergency declaration has been extended until midnight on 31 December 2020.
