Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions will ease ahead of schedule at 6am on Thursday.
The restrictions, which remained in place following Queensland’s snap three-day lockdown in late March, were due to be relaxed at midday on Thursday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said restrictions could ease early after the Queensland recorded no new community transmission.
“Queenslanders have done a mighty job and I want to thank everyone,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It has not been easy over these past two weeks.”
It means masks will no longer be required except at airports or when flying, although people are encouraged to carry a mask and wear it in crowded places when social distancing isn’t possible.
“If you’re going to go into a crowded area in a shopping centre or something or public transport and you can’t socially distance, have your mask and if you feel like putting it on, please feel free to do that,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Visitors will also be allowed in hospitals, aged and disability care as soon as facilities are ready.
“I know it’s been very tough on families who have had loved ones in hospitals, in aged care facilities and disability homes, so families are going to be reunited,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Patrons will be to stand up to eat and drink in pubs and clubs, and dancing will be allowed.
Stadiums, theatres and cinemas can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
Limits on gatherings at private residences will increase from 30 to 100 people.
The Premier said they were going “one step further” in relation to easing outdoor restrictions.
“From 6am tomorrow, people can gather outside without restrictions,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The only difference there will be for music festivals, they will have to have a COVID Safe plan.”
Anyone who is sick or has symptoms is urged to stay home and get tested.
Queensland recorded two new cases of COVID-19 overnight, both detected in hotel quarantine.
There are currently 51 active cases in Queensland.
