In response to a positive case confirmed with the UK strain of COVID-19, Greater Brisbane will enter a three-day lockdown commencing at 6:00pm tonight. The Queensland Government have released information related to the lockdown, along with a number of frequently asked questions. 

In addition, directions for disability service providers have also been released. Visitors are not allowed to accommodation services located in the Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton health regions. These directions are additional to those restrictions that apply to people who have visited Victoria after 21 December or have been in a NSW hot spot. Details of these requirements can be found in Disability Accommodation Services Direction (No.8).

Masks will also need to be worn everywhere in the local government areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan except if at home.

People in those LGAs are required to stay at home except for the following reasons:

• Shopping for essentials, food and necessary supplies
• Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements
• Exercise with no more than one other person, unless all from the same household
• Providing care or assistance to an immediate family member
• Work, or volunteering, or study if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely
• Child custody arrangements
• Legal obligations
• Visit for end of life
• Attend funeral or wedding in line with restrictions

This is an evolving situation and we expect additional information and advice to be available this afternoon and over the coming days, NDS will provide further updates as information becomes available. Providers should also check the Queensland Health website for updates regularly.

Members are reminded that resources are available on the NDS Coronavirus hub, which includes the PPE marketplace for discounted PPE products.