During a public health emergency, the Chief Health Officer can issue Public Health Directions to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.
These directions may apply to specified Impacted Areas for a set period of time.
Find out more about Impacted Areas, and whether any have been declared and are in force.
*Outdoor
An outdoor area:
- has fixed or temporary boundaries
- is not fully enclosed, i.e. is open to the elements and natural ventilation (significant amount of natural and unrestricted air movement required for most of the time area is in use)
- can include a veranda, balcony, deck, patio, or similar structure that might be connected to an external wall of a building
- can have a roof, awning, or eave
- may include a rotunda, tarpaulin or shade structure situated in a larger open space.
An outdoor area does not include:
- atriums internal to a building, internal courtyards or similar
- a temporary or permanent marquee, unless marquee walls are lifted for the duration of the event
- a tent, e.g., a circus tent or performance tent.
Use of curtain walls, panel walls or other fittings to fully enclose an area to protect from the elements is considered indoors.
Sometimes Queensland weather may require curtain walls, panel walls or other fittings to be used for short periods to partially enclose an area for patron comfort and safety. If a business is in doubt, it should operate as if it is an indoor space.
COVID Safe Checklists
COVID Safe Checklists relate to seated dining and drinking, food courts, and personal services. These are different to COVID Safe Event Checklists, which allow for 500 attendees (indoors) and 1000 attendees (outdoors) per day at events.
COVID Safe Businesses
Eased restrictions for businesses
Check-in requirements have been removed for all venues and events.
Vaccination requirements will continue for workers in healthcare settings. The operator of the healthcare setting must continue to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers .
Read more about the changes to restrictions in Queensland.
Penalties
Any person found in breach of the Public Health Directions and/or Public Health Act 2005, i.e. to whom a Direction/Act applies, without a reasonable excuse, could face a penalty of up to a maximum of 100 penalty units or 6 months' imprisonment.
On the spot fines can also be issued.
To avoid this, we recommend you check back to this site regularly and remain up-to-date with the Chief Health Officer public health directions.
Reporting a breach
Individuals with concerns about whether a business is complying with the Public Health Directions and/or Public Health Act 2005 can call 134 COVID (13 42 68).
Checking vaccination status
From 1am Thursday 30 June 2022 businesses and venues no longer need to check vaccination status.
Vaccination requirements will continue for workers in healthcare settings. The operator of the healthcare setting must continue to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers .
Read more about the changes to restrictions in Queensland.
Mental health in business
If your business has been affected by COVID-19, it is important to look after your mental health as well as your physical wellbeing. Please visit Queensland Health’s COVID-19 and mental health for practical advice and information from trusted sources and partners to help you stay mentally and physically healthy and well.
You may also find tips and resources to support mental health on the Australian Government website.
These are exceptional times, but we are a resilient society with the strength and capacity to cope with difficult situations.
Ensure you keep well-connected. Support each other and keep up-to-date so that you can help support friends and loved ones.