Coronavirus: Restrictions eased as Queensland reaches two weeks with no community transmission

Queensland has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 marking 14 days since the last case of community transmission.

"That means additional restrictions in Brisbane metro and west Morton can now be lifted," deputy premier Steven Miles said.

Under current restrictions, aged care facilities are not allowed any visitors, gatherings are restricted to 10 people and there is no standing in licensed premises except when ordering food and drinks.

READ MORE: Follow our live blog for breaking news and updates on COVID-19

As of 1am tomorrow, gathering limits will be extended from 10 to 30 people and Queenslanders will also be able to visit hospitals and aged care facilities.

The changes will coincide with the ACT being de-listed as a COVID-19 hotspot meaning people from the ACT will now be able to visit Queensland via air.

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said the decision to lower the gathering limit to 30 instead of 100 as it was before restrictions were tightened was a safety net to protect the community against undetected cases.

"We could have missed cases that we have not picked up but I think it's unlikely because of the large amount of testing we've done," Dr Young said.

READ MORE: Deputy Premier tells PM to 'back off' over border patrols

Despite reaching the 14-day mark with no cases of community transmission, Ms Young said it's possible there are people who may be asymptomatic but still spreading the virus in the community.

"We might still get a case which is why we need to maintain those restrictions," she said.

She also encouraged Queenslanders to wear a mask in circumstances where social distancing is not possible.

"That is something I would like to see people doing more of … that might have to be a new way of living for the foreseeable future."

Today's announcements come after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a shift in border zones to allow five NSW local government areas to travel freely across state lines.

From 1am on October 1, Bryon, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes will be added to the border zone.

Residents will have to apply for a border pass to travel into Queensland.Queensland residents will also be able to travel to those areas.

READ MORE: Upcoming border changes explained

Deputy Premier slams federal government as border controversy continues

The extension of the border zone if the first major step forward for residents in NSW wanting to travel north after weeks of mounting pressure to reopen the border between the two states.

The ongoing controversy over border restrictions came to a head again this morning after Mr Miles slammed the federal government over claims Queensland did not request help from the ADF to manage border restrictions.

The ADF will be pulled from checkpoints before the end of this month as the state prepares to reopen the border to NSW.

During this morning's coronavirus press conference, Mr Miles handed out copies of correspondence between the Queensland government and the ADF, documenting Queensland's request to have army support extended.

The correspondence included a response from the ADF to Queensland's request, saying "ADF support will conclude on the 30th of September," Mr Miles said.

Mr Miles also handed out a letter from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, again asking for the ADF to remain in place border checkpoints.

Mr Miles described comments from Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg alleging the Queensland government was lying about asking for an extension to ADF support, as an "attack".

"That support was important but that request was denied," he said.

"The suggestion that the Queensland government did not request an extension of ADF support is just plain wrong.

"I think its time for Josh Frydenberg to apologise."

Today's comments come after Mr Miles accused the federal government of using the ADF as a "bargaining chip" to strongarm a decision to reopen borders.

Mr Miles said it was "no secret" Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not support Queensland's strict border protection measures and said the withdrawal of the ADF from manning the borders was "disappointing and will make the job of police harder".

"Our policy has worked and they should back off," he said.