Greater Brisbane lockdown: Face masks mandatory from 6pm
A new ruling will see face masks become mandatory across Greater Brisbane as the state enters a three-day lockdown.
Following a confirmed case of the highly infectious UK COVID-19 strain in Brisbane yesterday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a three-day lockdown for the Greater Brisbane area.
From 6pm tonight (Friday 8 January) until 6pm on Monday 11 January, residents in Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Logan and Redlands will need to isolate at home.
Residents may only leave home for one of the following four reasons:
- To buy essentials such as groceries and medication
- To work or study (if you cannot do so from home)
- To exercise
- To provide care or support for a vulnerable person
Face masks will also become mandatory for all affected areas.
In a statement, premier Palaszczuk said, "If you are leaving your place of residence from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday, you must wear a mask."
"We are doing this to make sure that we keep Queenslanders safe."
Children under the age of 12 will be exempt from wearing a face mask, though it is encouraged that they do so.
See a list of retailers stocking children's face masks.
Where to buy a face mask in Brisbane
Affected residents looking to buy a face mask before tonight can head to the following retailers:
As most online orders will not be shipped in time, you may need to head in-store to make a purchase.
To see an extensive list of stores selling masks, head to our Brisbane and Queensland face mask buying guide.
Areas where the positive case has been
If you have been to the following areas at the mentioned times, it is recommended that you get tested as soon as possible:
- Train from Altandi Station to Roma Street at 7am Saturday 2 January
- Train from Central Station to Altandi Station at 4pm Saturday 2 January
- Woolworths at Calamvale Central Shopping Centre between 11am and 12pm, Sunday 3 January
- Coles at Sunnybank Hills between 7:30am and 8am Tuesday 5 January
- Newsagency at Sunnybank Hills, corner of Compton Road, between 8am and 8:15am Tuesday 5 January
For the next 3 days, funerals will also be limited to 20 people and weddings to 10 people.
Want more help with masks? Check out our overview of face masks, how to choose the best one, what doctors recommend when using them, the rules that apply in Australia and our regularly-updated guide on where to buy masks.
Main image: Getty Images
