QLD Extends Public Health Bill
By Alana Watson
On the 18th of March, QLD government extended their Public Health Emergency for Covid-19 until 24th of June. The Chief Health Officer (CHO) issues the directions under these legislations.
There have been a number of changes to the directions in certain sectors and these will be explained here.
Disability Accommodation Services.
The new directions to visitors of residents in this setting, you must be a fully vaccinated individual over the age of 16. You must also check in via the Check in QLD app. If the visit is end of life or an emergency situation there is no need for vaccination status or app check in.
This also applies to students who must be up to date with their vaccine doses. Depending on the accommodation’s requirements. If a person does not comply with these directions, the penalty is 100 units or six months in prison.
For visitors who have come from overseas, it is a 14 day wait before being permitted onsite. For those who have had covid, it is a 7 day wait before being able to visit. The accommodation services can insist on temperature checks, PPE wearing and social distancing measures. They can also insist on PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing.
Residential Aged Care Visitor Directions.
These directions are the same as Disability Accommodation Services, with the only difference being that to visit a resident and you are unvaccinated, you must apply for an exemption from the CHO, deputy CHO or a delegate.
Hospital Visitor Entry Directions.
You must wear a mask. Only end of life and childbirth will allow unvaccinated visitors. If you are attending with another patient into emergency, you must be a parent, carer or guardian and must social distance and wear a mask. Or to sign consent forms. Check in also. The same conditions as above with visiting if you have been in isolation or come from overseas. Students doing placement, must be up to date with their vaccine doses.
Workers In Health Care Settings.
All workers in every health care setting must be up to date with their vaccine doses. This includes all kitchen staff, and all those who provide a service inside these places.
Public Health and Social Measures.
If your business is classed as a schedule 1 business, you must only have staff and patrons that are double vaccinated on your premises. You must follow the guidelines and have the check in app at your business, and all staff and patrons must show their vaccination status. The only exemption to this is if there is an emergency and time is of the essence. The following settings are only for the fully vaccinated.
Hospitality venues, Entertainment venues, Stadiums, Theme Parks, Zoo’s, Aquariums, Showgrounds, Casino’s, Nightclubs, Adult entertainment venues, Festivals.
Government owned galleries, museums, and libraries as well as state libraries.
Vulnerable settings such as youth detention centres and prison personal visiting areas. Unless accompanying a minor, a face mask must be worn.
According to QLD Health these measures are in place to help mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic.
