Greater Brisbane lockdown rules explained

A three-day lockdown in Greater Brisbane has come into force as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk attempts to prevent the spread of the highly contagious UK strain of coronavirus.

The lockdown was applied the council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands, from now until 6pm Monday evening.

"Think of it as a long weekend at home," the Premier said.

"If we do not do this now, it could end up being a 30-day lockdown."

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What are the lockdown rules?

Like the lockdown rules that were instituted last March, there are four permissible reasons to be out of the house.

You can leave the house to do essential work, which is to say, if you work from home, stay at home.

You can leave the house to provide health care or support for a vulnerable person.

You can leave the home to do essential shopping, but it must be within your local area.

You can leave the home to exercise, but just in your local neighbourhood.

Two visitors are allowed into homes, but only if they are to provide support to a vulnerable person.

Under the recommendations of Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, masks will be mandated for anyone out of the home.

"There are plenty of masks out there," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"If you are a child under 12, you do not have to wear a mask.

"We are doing this to make sure that we keep Queenslanders safe."

The premier will urge other states and territories to also declare Great Brisbane a hotspot "until we get through this together".

"If you are in Brisbane, in those Greater Brisbane areas and you may have planned a vacation over this weekend," she said.

"I'm so sorry, but you will not be able to go. You will have to reschedule until Tuesday."