It is a difficult time for Queenslanders who love to tie the knot with a lover or say goodbye to a man who has died.
Coronavirus restrictions and knot-locked locks have damaged weddings and funerals, with many planned events canceled at the last minute, costing people millions.
But that’s all about to change, with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing restrictions on weddings and easier funerals to allow more guests at venues.
The changes come as the state marks more than 60 days without the issue of community dispersal.
What constraints are changing from today?
From today, more people can attend a wedding or funeral in Queensland.
Weddings and funerals can now host 200 guests, no matter how big the space.
For larger venues, an unlimited number of guests is permitted, as long as the one person for every two square meters rule is adhered to.
This means you could put 200 people into a 100 square meter center, but if you had 201 people you would need a center with 402 square meters of space.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she hopes these changes will make a big difference.
“I know that will mean a lot, especially for our regional communities where there may be someone special from their deceased community,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Friday.
“We know a lot of people who have big weddings too and this is fantastic news.
“That discount basically means they’re almost back to normal.”
What are the other barriers?
- 50 people can gather in a home or 100 in a public place
- 500 people are allowed at indoor events with a COVID-safe event checklist. Larger events require a COVID-safe plan
- Ticket venues and outdoor stadiums can operate at 100 percent capacity
- Dancing is allowed everywhere – but don’t dance too close together. It is two square meters per person
- People are encouraged to wear and wear a mask on public transport and when social distance is not possible
Over the weekend, Queensland Health renewed calls for people to wear their masks at airports and on flights, following three recent positive cases of travel through Brisbane Airport.
“It is absolutely essential that everyone follows the rules and wears a mask if they have plans to travel,” said Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young.
“Not only will you be fined $ 200 immediately [if you do not follow the rules], it is a safety warning for you and the people around you.
“It could be a difference between catching COVID-19 or not.”
Will there be any more changes soon?
The government usually provides updates every month, on or around the end of the month.
Basted on that pattern, you can expect an update in three or four weeks.
Ms Palaszczuk said at a press conference on Sunday that there was only one new case of COVID-19 in a hotel quarantine in Queensland, 24 active cases, and 4,110 tests were performed.
Meanwhile, the AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Queensland, with vaccine hubs set to open today in Bundaberg and Logan. There will be frontline health care staff, quarantine staff and residents in care facilities in front of the queue.