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After 20 days of no known COVID-19 cases active in the community, Queenslanders will have more freedoms from 4pm today including 100 per cent capacity at stadiums, permission to dance, and relaxed density limits of one person per two square metres at hospitality venues.
There are now just 30 active cases in the Sunshine State, where 48.25 per cent of eligible people have received their first vaccine dose and 29.45 per cent have had two doses. This compares to 62 per cent of the population having received their first jab in locked-down NSW.
QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said people would be allowed to have up to 100 visitors in their homes, and 200 people would be able to attend weddings or funerals.
"For the young people, dancing is back," she said, although dancing will be allowed for all ages.
"Stadiums can have 100 per cent capacity, but patrons must wear a mask going in. They must wear a mask seated unless they're having a drink or they're eating at their seat.
"Indoor events like theatres, university lectures, can have 100 per cent capacity, and of course community sport is well and truly back."
However, the Premier noted masks would still be really important.
"Of course, if you're outside that's not a problem, but of course going into cafes and restaurants you need to wear your mask. You must also check in," she said.
"Our high school students will also still need to wear these masks, but what I'm going to do is we will review these mask requirements every two weeks.
"This is an added protection for us. I really want to make sure that we're doing everything we can in case we do get that outbreak. We do know it's on our doorstep in New South Wales, that there are still flights that come in."
Deputy Premier Steven Miles also revealed encouraging signs towards improving the lot of QLD-NSW border communities whose lives have been upended by the limits on movement.
"We do though acknowledge that the border restrictions have an impact - a disproportionate impact - on those that live on the border," he said.
"I'm really pleased to report that we've had an approach from the Deputy Premier of NSW to work with them to collaborate on border arrangements so that we can reduce the impacts of them on their community.
"You'll recall that not long ago the Premier wrote to the Premier of NSW and asked for that collaboration. At that stage it was declined, however we certainly welcome this change of heart."
He said both governments would work together to to put in place whatever measures they can to keep the border safe but also minimise impacts to the extent that it is possible.
Deputy Premier Miles also welcomed the news that the Commonwealth Government has appointed a contractor to construct its national quarantine facility at Pinkenba.
"This is welcome progress and we certainly look forward to them finally constructing this facility," he said.
Updated at 12:03pm AEST on 27 August 2021.
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