Queensland imposes state border restrictions from midnight Wednesday 25 March due to coronavirus crisis

Queensland will shut its borders from midnight on Wednesday in a desperate bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Anyone who does not meet the eligibility requirements will be forced to self-quarantine for 14 days whether they have symptoms or not.

People who live and work on different sides of the border will still be able to continue to travel to work with the Government unveiling more details of its border closure.

Medical appointments, freight and other essential purposes will also be allowed, but cross-border social visits are out.

Travelling to work, to the supermarket, the pharmacy and the petrol station is classed as essential.

Travel for all other purposes is highly discouraged.

Border Restrictions

Australian border closures – from 9.00 pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

Four jurisdictions – the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania – have effectively closed their borders to outside travel. “These strict new border controls will apply to all access points — roads, rail, air and sea. Unless exempted, arrivals from interstate will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.

New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory borders have not closed but have closed down many non-essential services, citing petrol stations, supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, freight and logistics and home delivery services among those deemed essential. For example, Holiday travel interstate is non-essential.

We are continuing to closely monitor the developments of coronavirus and are following the guidance and advice of the Prime Minister and the Department of Health in Australia. We will continue to provide updates as developments change.

It is important to note we are continuing to operate our offices and field work activities as normal, with some minor adjustments to align with the restrictions and advice from the Prime Minister and the Department of Health in Australia.

Stage 1 Restrictions Non-essential gatherings

Non-essential gatherings are suspended for an initial 4 weeks to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) and to give both businesses and people time to fully understand social distancing requirements.

The following facilities are restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:

• pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation);
• gyms and indoor sporting venues;
• cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos and night clubs;
• restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery;
• religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies);

Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions. Other facilities are not impacted but could be considered under a later stage of restrictions, if necessary. These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues.

Existing measures to slow the virus and save lives:

• No non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside.
• All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule.
• Where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Restrictions on entering aged care homes to protect older Australians.

Practicing good hygiene and keeping a healthy physical distance between individuals is our most powerful weapon in fighting this virus and saving lives.

Non-essential travel should be avoided, and particularly when we’re talking about interstate travel and longer distances.

Going to work, the shops is something and other important tasks you have to do on a on a daily basis, so we all need to us common sense on what is not essential.

If you or your family have been confirmed as having COVID-19, have been or have potentially been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or are feeling unwell with the known symptoms:

• Call the Health Line on 1800 022 222 or consult your usual medical practitioner for advice.
• Stay away from work, so as to not spread the virus.
• Notify your Lack Group representative by phone, and we will work together to determine any action or support.

If you are not feeling well – we ask that you stay away from work, so as to not spread the illness and consult your usual medical practitioner for advice. Notify your Lack Group representative by phone, and we will work together to determine any action or support.

Have you travelled overseas? All travellers returning or arriving from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days. This applies to everyone, even if you have no symptoms.

Workplace Hygiene – we ask all employees to practice good hygiene including:

• regularly cleaning hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer, even more regularly that you would normally; including before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• minimizing hand contact with other such as handshakes.
• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
• disposing of tissues properly.
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, including disinfectant in company vehicles.
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people.
• cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets.

Airports / Flights – All company related non-urgent Business Flights are suspended until after the Easter period. Any recent company related business travellers have been quarantined from contact with other employees.

Distance – where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others

Meetings / Gatherings – LackSafe BBQ’s & Information Session, business and other meetings are suspended until after the Easter period.

Information – Read the latest announcements about COVID-19 and up-to-date advice for your situation and other information from Department of Health website:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#travellers-and-visitors  ; https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19#protect-yourself-and-others;

This is a dynamic and evolving situation, as we maintain a flexible and agile approach to circumstances as they arise, and will continue to provide you with updates as the information becomes available.

Please feel free to contact your Lack Group representative at any time, and please keep us informed of any concerns or issues you may have.