The latest COVID-19 advice from the Department of Health allows older people to leave their homes to reconnect with family, friends and their communities.
Minister for Seniors, Coralee O’Rourke said restrictions had been particularly challenging for older Queenslanders in order to protect them from the virus.
“We know it’s been difficult for older people to stay home for the past few months, and I know many seniors have missed spending time with their families, friends and loved ones,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The Chief Health Officer (CHO) has briefed the Seniors Taskforce and advised that due to the consistently low rates of infection in our State, it is now time for seniors to leave their homes and start going back to the things they enjoy.”
She said seniors should still protect themselves and leave their homes in a careful and considered way.
“For example, visit children and grandchildren who are well in small groups and avoid shopping centres and other public places during peak periods when crowds are bigger,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The CHO reiterated that it’s incredibly important for seniors to continue to follow all health advice — get a flu vaccination, wash hands and use hand sanitiser regularly and ensure you keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people.”
She said spending weeks on end at home could lead to social isolation “so it’s great that seniors can now safely leave their homes and reconnect with family, friends and their communities”.
