10am
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Greater Brisbane has been ordered into a snap three-day lockdown after four more coronavirus cases emerged in the community, AAP reports.
Three of the new cases are close contacts of existing or historical cases, but the infected persons have been out in the community raising the risk more transmission may have occurred.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Redlands will go into a three-day lockdown from 5pm on Monday.
"There is now more community transmission, and these people have been out and about in the community, and that is of concern to Queensland Health," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ms Palaszczuk said the lockdown will last for three days at least, ahead of the Easter holiday break this weekend.
People will only be allowed to leave home to do essential work, shop, care for people or exercise.
"This will also enable our health authorities to get on top of the contact tracing," she said.
"This is a huge job now that we have to do because we've got more of this community transmission."
"I know this will mean some disruption to people's lives, but we've done this before, and we've got through it over those three days in the past, and if everyone does the right thing I'm sure that we will be able to get through it again."
One of the cases had travelled to Gladstone. Anyone who has been in Brisbane since March 20 will also come under the restrictions.
Earlier
Health officials have confirmed a new COVID-19 case has been confirmed in the state's hotel quarantine system.
The person who tested positive was a member of an international flight crew, the health department said.
It meant Victoria's run of days since early last week without an active case had ended.
But it is now 31 days since the last confirmed case of community transmission of the virus was confirmed.
On Sunday night, Victoria's health department confirmed the Brisbane and Moreton Bay coucnil areas remain "orange zones" because of confirmed coronavirus cases there.
"They are now considered primary close contacts of a positive case and are being supported to isolate for 14 days following their exposure.
"They are Victorian residents who were visiting Queensland and returned to Victoria on 22 March. All three travelled together and are known to each other.
"People entering Victoria from an orange zone (excluding people who have only passed through an orange zone during transit to the airport) must apply for an orange zone permit," the department said.
"You cannot obtain an orange zone permit if you have COVID-19 symptoms. On arrival in Victoria, orange zone permit holders must immediately self-isolate, get a coronavirus test within 72 hours of arriving, and stay isolated until a negative result is received."
People wanting to apply for a travel permit to enter Victoria need to visit https://www.service.vic.gov.au/services/border-permit/home
Meanwhile, NSW is "pretty much back to normal", AAP reports, as a suite of restrictions on venues, dancing, singing and gatherings significantly ease.
Masks are no longer mandatory anywhere in NSW from Monday, with commuters to decide for themselves if they need to wear one on public transport.
Big weddings and funerals are back with no limit on guest numbers, while dancing and singing will be allowed in any environment.
There is no limit on the number of visitors allowed in homes, but a COVID-safe plan must be enacted if it exceeds 100.
