Restrictions for unvaccinated Queenslanders begin
Vaccine mandates are in effect in Queensland from today, locking out the COVID-19 unvaccinated from pubs, cafes and restaurants.
The new freedoms and rule changes began after the state reached 80 per cent double-dose vaccination levels earlier this month.
They are coming into force after Queensland yesterday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases - the highest number since early August.
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From today, unvaccinated Queenslanders will no longer be able to enter hospitality venues like bars, cafes or theatres, in new ruling from the state government. 9News
The new rules for unvaccinated Queenslanders affect the hospitality and healthcare sectors as well as other businesses and services.
What is changing?
From today, pubs, clubs, nightclubs and music venues will be free of all COVID-19 restrictions, provided all staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.
From today, vaccination mandates also apply for staff and patrons at sporting events and other occasions at government-run stadiums including Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba, Queensland Country Bank and Metricon.
The same measures apply for entertainment venues, karaoke bars, government-run museums and galleries, and music festivals, whether indoor or outdoor.
There will be no restrictions on weddings as long as everybody attending is fully vaccinated.
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Crowds at the Gabba and other Queensland sporting venues have to be fully vaccinated from today. via Getty Images
What about aged care and hospitals?
Vaccination restrictions are also in place for health and aged care venues.
Visitors to aged care, hospitals, prisons and disability services sites must be fully vaccinated, except in end-of-life, emergency, or childbirth situations.
Who exactly needs to be vaccinated?
The new restrictions apply to everybody aged 16 and over.
Children aged 12 to 15 do not have to be vaccinated to enter such venues, but the Queensland Government said they were strongly encouraged to get the jab.
As soon as somebody has had their second vaccine, they will be considered fully vaccinated, though health advice has been that the vaccines take two weeks since injection to provide full protection.
How is this going to be enforced?
People arriving at venues will have to show their check-in app.
But Queenslanders looking to dodge the system have been warned that police will be cracking down and enforcing requirements.
Venues will be encouraged to contact police if they see a breach.
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