Queensland Government ends Brisbane's lockdown but Easter tourism still impacted

The Queensland Government has today announced the early lifting of Brisbane’s lockdown after just one new case of community transmission that's linked to an existing cluster of COVID-19.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said testing rates, low case numbers, and the fact that community transmission had been linked to existing cases, allowed authorities to give the green light to lift the lockdown from midday today.

She advised “Easter is good to go" but added that for the next two weeks until 15th April, all Queenslanders would be required to carry a mask when they left their home.

Premier Palaszczuk noted that we "ask you to wear those masks in indoor spaces such as shopping centres and supermarkets, indoor workplaces, public transport."

Despite the easing, tourism operators across the state are already counting the costs of the snap lockdown having been expecting that Easter would represent a turnaround in fortunes.

Port Douglas tourism operators were expecting a bumper weekend and were fully booked for the four-day holiday. However, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review, bookings dropped to 30% in the wake of the lockdown.

This has a devastating flow-through effect for the local tourism supply chain, from restaurants to suppliers, including a butcher who is now sitting with a backlog of orders for high-end island resorts Premier Palaszczuk today acknowledged the economic pain of the three-day lockdown, but emphasised that saying public health had to come first, adding “the consequences of not acting are far worse.”.

Among attractions, Aussie World has welcomed the news that the Greater Brisbane COVID-19 lockdown has been lifted today and the team is ready to welcome guests from all over Queensland and interstate to its Easter celebrations.

Aussie World Manager, Shannon Fay advised “we have our COVIDSafe plan in place, so just be sure to bring your mask along and come and enjoy the best family entertainment on offer this Easter holidays.”

Image: Aussie World is ready to welcome guests to its Easter celebrations.