Queensland lifts vax, check-in mandates

Queensland’s acting premier Steven Miles has predicted the state has seen the last of check-ins after COVID-19 vaccine mandates were officially lifted for most venues.

The requirement for patrons to check in and be fully vaccinated at a majority of venues was removed from 1am on Thursday.

Mr Miles said it marked an “important milestone in our COVID pandemic response”.

“Who knows what the future holds but I think this is the end of check-ins and QR codes but we will see,” he told reporters.

“I think it will be one of those things we say to our grandkids about how we experienced the great pandemic of 2020 … how we had to check in with a QR code on our phone before we went to the pub.”

Since it was launched in February 2021, more than six million Queenslanders have installed the state government check-in app.

There were more than one billion check-ins recorded.

Queensland is now enjoying its most relaxed vaccine rules since the pandemic hit two years ago.

There are no longer any vaccination or check-in requirements at pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes.

Unvaccinated Queenslanders can also enter theme parks, casinos, cinemas, showgrounds, galleries, libraries, museums and stadiums.

Restrictions have been removed on the number of people attending events like weddings, receptions and funerals.

Vaccination requirements still apply in vulnerable settings such hospitals, disability services and aged care while jab mandates remain for workers in schools, child care, prisons and airports.

Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan said it was not only a boost for the likes of clubs and pubs but would also help answer a workforce shortage.

“Right across Queensland there is a sense of relief in the hospitality industry as the last of the restrictions that was holding people back … has been removed,” Mr Hogan said.

“We can employ anybody in the hospitality industry which is vitally important at the moment. There is a need for more workers in Queensland.

“(Lifting mandates) has removed that one last impediment that was stopping people at the front door at every pub, club, restaurant and cafe in Queensland.

“Hopefully we can have staff members back doing what they do best.”

Mr Miles saluted the hospitality industry for helping Queensland deliver “one of the world’s best vaccination rates”.

Currently 93.51 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have had one jab while 91.89 per cent have had two, with 62.5 per cent receiving their booster.

The mandates have been lifted as Queensland records 8754 new cases and another four deaths.

There are 590 people in hospital including 16 in intensive care, with 52,982 active cases.

– AAP

The post Queensland lifts vax, check-in mandates appeared first on The New Daily.

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