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Residents and businesses across the greater Brisbane area have gone into a snap, three-day lockdown.
The lockdown was triggered after the detection of 10 new COVID-19 cases in the state overnight, with four new community cases of the UK strain — a more infectious version of the disease — among them.
In declaring greater Brisbane a virus hotspot, Queensland state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of the new measures: “We need to do this now to avoid a longer lockdown.”
She has also recommended other states and territories also declare the region a hotspot.
The lockdown, which kicked off at 5pm on Monday, 29 March, affects residents and businesses across the local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Logan and Redlands.
People living and working within those areas are only allowed to leave home for one of four reasons.
Those reasons are: to buy essentials – such as groceries or medications; to work or study – where that cannot be done from home; for exercise within the local area; or to receive healthcare or provide help, care or support.
As has been the case in previous lockdowns across Australia, real estate is one of the activities that has been affected by the lockdown.
Real estate auctions can no longer occur in person.
Open house inspections are permissible, but only where they occur as private appointments.
Back in January, and in response to an earlier snap, three-day lockdown, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland had provided a number of tips for real estate agencies and businesses to better prepare for possible future COVID-19-induced lockdowns, like at present.
Impact on travel
In response to the latest case figures, and the action taken by the state government, a number of other state and territory leaders have taken decisive action.
Western Australia
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has reintroduced a hard border with Queensland, effective “immediately” — reclassifying the state as a “medium risk”.
Following advice from the WA chief health officer, Western Australia will no longer permit travellers from Queensland — which will also apply to anyone who has been in Queensland since 27 March and has not completed 14 days in a “very low risk” state or territory.
Western Australians who have recently returned or will soon be returning will be required to self-quarantine for at least 14 days, among other precautionary measures.
South Australia
South Australia is also imposing a hard border — effective from 4pm, Monday, 29 March.
From that time, only South Australians, as well as essential workers or individuals who are “genuinely” relocating, will be allowed to enter.
Isolation requirements are also in place for anyone who has been in the Sunshine State since 20 March.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, people are being advised against non-essential travel to the greater Brisbane area. If they have been in the Brisbane City Council or Moreton Bay Regional Council since 11 March, they must complete a self-declaration form.
Victoria
Down in Victoria, the strict permit system in place has Queensland at an “orange zone”. This means travellers from Queensland must self-isolate, get a COVID test within 72 hours of arrival and remain in self-quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is telling all travellers who have been in the Brisbane City Council or the Moreton Bay Regional Council from Saturday, 20 March, to get tested for COVID-19, while people who have been in a declared COVID-19 hotspot must complete 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine at their own expense.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, greater Brisbane has been declared a hotspot. It’s asking anyone who has returned from greater Brisbane from 15 March to self-isolate until at least 6pm on 1 April — but potentially for longer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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