Superseded - Public Health and Social Measures linked to vaccination status Direction
This direction has been superseded on 24 December 2021. See the current Public Health and Social Measures linked to vaccination status Direction (No. 4).
Summary
Effective from: 5am AEST 17 December 2021
Posted: 7 December 2021
Superseded on: 24 December 2021
Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency
Public Health Act 2005 (Qld)
Section 362B
On 29 January 2020, under the Public Health Act 2005, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services made an order declaring a public health emergency in relation to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The public health emergency area specified in the order is for ‘all of Queensland’. Its duration has been extended by regulation to 26 December 2021 and may be further extended.
Further to this declaration, l, Dr Peter Aitken, Chief Health Officer, reasonably believe it is necessary to give the following direction pursuant to the powers under s 362B of the Public Health Act 2005 to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.
Preamble
This Public Health Direction outlines the requirements for businesses, activities and undertakings, including COVID-19 vaccination requirements for owners, operators visitors and staff entering and remaining in businesses, activities and undertakings.
This Public Health Direction is to be read in conjunction with other Public Health Directions issued under section 362B of the Public Health Act 2005 that have not expired or been revoked.
Citation
This Public Health Direction may be referred to as the Public Health and Social Measures Linked to Vaccination Status Direction.
Revocation
The Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No.29) made on 8 October 2021, is revoked from 5:00 am AEST 17 December 2021.
Commencement
This Public Health Direction applies from 5:00 am AEST 17 December 2021 until the end of the declared public health emergency, unless it is revoked or replaced.
Application
This Public Health Direction applies to a business, activity or undertaking in Queensland listed in Schedule 1, and to an owner or operator, staff and a visitor who enters the business, activity or undertaking.
Nothing in this Public Health Direction removes a vaccination requirement for a person who is required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 under another public health direction.
PART 1 – DIRECTION – PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL MEASURES LINKED TO VACCINATION STATUS
Vaccination Entry Requirements - Business, Activity or Undertaking in Schedule 1
A person may only enter and remain at a business, activity or undertaking where they:
comply with the vaccination entry requirements relating to the business, activity or undertaking and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the business, activity or undertaking or prior to being served or upon request; or
are unvaccinated and provide evidence of a medical contraindication prior to entering the business, activity or undertaking or prior to being served or upon request; or
are unvaccinated and provide a medical certificate or letter from a medical practitioner, certifying that the person is currently taking part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and receipt of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved vaccine would impact the validity of the trial. As this exemption is temporary, the medical certificate must not have expired; or
are unvaccinated and are entering the business, activity or undertaking for the sole purpose of obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination at a vaccination centre set up in a part of the business, activity or undertaking.
Note: a person who enters a venue to access a COVID-19 vaccination at a vaccination centre within the business, activity or undertaking must only enter that part of the venue that is the vaccination centre and must not remain any longer than required, unless otherwise permitted to do so under this Direction.
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking listed in Schedule 1 in Queensland, whether operating at a private residence, commercial premises or in a public space, must when operating the business, activity or undertaking:
comply with the vaccination entry requirements for the business, activity or undertaking; and
take reasonable steps to ensure staff and visitors comply with the vaccination entry requirements for the business, activity or undertaking; and
clearly display the requirement for staff and visitors to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or of a medical contraindication; and
request and sight proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication required under Part 2; and
clearly display the Check in Qld app QR code at each entry to the business that is used by staff or visitors
collect contact information required under Part 3; and
comply with any COVID-19 density limits for the business, activity or undertaking; and
operate in accordance with the COVID-19 checklist or COVID safe site plan, where required.
Note: the requirements of this public health direction apply to premises or a public space only to the extent that the business, activity or undertaking is conducted at the premises or public space. Where a business, activity or undertaking is conducted from a private residence, for example, the requirements of this public health direction only apply to the part of the private residence used by or for the business, activity or undertaking.
PART 1A – OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH CONTROLS
Non-Restricted Businesses, Activities and Undertakings and Schedule 1C businesses
A non-restricted business, activity or undertaking, and a restricted business, activity or undertaking in Schedule 1C, may otherwise operate as normal, with physical distancing and public health controls observed to the extent possible and subject to any other applicable Public Health Directions.
PART 2 – COMPLIANCE WITH VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
Obligations on visitors
From 17 December 2021 – a visitor aged 16 years of age or over who enters a business, activity or undertaking where vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects occupant density requirements must, before being served or when otherwise requested, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication to staff or the owner or operator of the business, activity or undertaking.
If a visitor is unable to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication because of age, disability, language barrier or technology used when requesting the proof of COVID-19 vaccination, another person may provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication on the person’s behalf.
A visitor who does not provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication as provided under paragraph 11 or 12, must immediately leave the business, activity or undertaking.
Obligations on staff
From 17 December 2021 - staff who enter, work in or provide services at a business, activity or undertaking where vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects occupant density requirements must, before starting their next shift on or after 17 December 2021, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or of a medical contraindication to their employer.
Note: an employee only needs to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or of a medical contraindication to their employer once unless their vaccination status or requirements for COVID-19 vaccination change.
Requirements for owners and operators - visitors
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking where COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects the occupant density requirements, must make all reasonable efforts when a visitor enters the business, activity or undertaking, or prior to serving or assisting them, to confirm that the visitor meets the COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements by requesting and sighting proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication (printed or electronic).
Note: a business, activity or undertaking may display signage and check in codes at points of entry to the business, activity or undertaking. Reasonable efforts to confirm compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements include asking the person for their proof of COVID-19 vaccination before serving them. Where a visitor is entering a business to undertake work including regulatory or licensing duties, the owner or operator of the business should ask for evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status before work commences.
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking in Schedule 1 is not required to request a visitor’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination under paragraph 15 if:
the visitor is or appears to be younger than 16 years old; or
Note: Whilst a person who is 12 years or older is eligible to be fully vaccinated, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is only required for a visitor who is 16 years or older. A visitor who is under 16 years of age is eligible to attend all essential and non-essential activities.
the visitor is exercising law enforcement, intelligence, or national security functions on behalf of a government agency; or
the person enters in an emergency or is entering to provide emergency services; or
it is not reasonable to collect proof of COVID-19 vaccination due to a risk to the safety of staff and other visitors.
Example: a business owner has prominently displayed the vaccination requirements at the point of entry to the business, and instructs wait staff to ask to sight proof of COVID-19 vaccination before taking orders. In circumstances where a visitor becomes aggressive towards the wait staff, the owner is not required to enforce compliance but can reasonably refuse to serve the visitor and treat them in the same way as other aggressive visitors.
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking where COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects the occupant density requirements, may exclude a visitor who does not meet the COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements from the business, activity or undertaking.
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking where COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects the occupant density requirements, must make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a visitor who does not meet the COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements does not enter the business, activity or undertaking.
Requirements for owners and operators - staff
From 17 December 2021 - a person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking where COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of entry or affects the occupant density requirements, must:
request each staff member provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication; and
keep a record of their own and each staff member’s COVID-19 vaccination status, the type of proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication that was sighted; and
ensure that staff who are unvaccinated are not permitted to enter, work in or provide services at the business, activity or undertaking;
if requested, provide the information collected under paragraph 17 to a public health officer.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical contraindication
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication (printed or electronic) includes:
written confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination provided to the person as part of the vaccination process, such as a record of vaccine card; or
vaccination information displayed on the Check in Qld app; or
a COVID-19 digital certificate or printed vaccination certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register; or
an online or printed immunisation history statement for COVID-19 vaccination, including confirmation of a medical contraindication; or
Note: A visitor’s immunisation history statement can be obtained from the Australian Government using myGov, the Medicare mobile app or by calling the Australian Immunisation Register and requesting a statement to be posted.
Note: If a person is unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination because of a medical contraindication, they must provide evidence of a medical contraindication. Upon provision of evidence of a medical contraindication, a person will be treated as if they are fully vaccinated for the vaccination entry requirements and to determine occupant density.
an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate:
in a printed or electronic form from the Department of Home Affairs that confirms completion of an Australia Travel Declaration and vaccination against COVID-19 overseas; or
through Medicare online account through myGov or the Medicare mobile app; or
an official record of vaccination provided to the person when vaccinated against COVID-19 overseas.
A person, including a visitor and staff member, is not required to provide proof of vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication if:
the person is younger than 16 years; or
the person is exercising law enforcement, intelligence, or national security functions on behalf of a government agency; or
the person enters in an emergency or is entering to provide emergency services; or
if it would present a risk to the person’s safety.
Example: a firefighter responding to an emergency call may enter a business during a fire without showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
PART 3 – COLLECTION OF CONTACT INFORMATION
Electronic collection of contact information using Check In Qld App
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking in Schedule 1 must make all reasonable efforts to electronically collect contact information about all visitors and staff at the time of entry by either:
requesting each visitor and staff member use the Check In Qld app; or
registering each visitor and staff member through the Business Profile mode of the Check In Qld app.
Example – a person may be unable to use the Check in Qld app due to age, disability, language barriers or does not possess the technology or own a mobile phone. The business must register the visitor through the Business Profile mode.
A person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking in Schedule 1 is not required to request a person’s contact information under paragraph 22 if:
the person is or appears to be younger than 16 years old and is not accompanied by a parent or adult who can provide information on their behalf; or
the person is or appears to be a primary or secondary school-aged child and is part of a group attending an activity organised by a school, sporting team or community group; or
Example – A school, sporting team or community group attending a venue as part of an excursion are not required to check in school-aged children. Any adults escorting the children must check in to the venue using the Check In Qld app. Paragraph 23(b) does not apply to children attending an activity organised by a person acting in a private capacity.
the person is exercising law enforcement, intelligence, or national security functions on behalf of a government agency; or
the person enters in an emergency or is entering to provide emergency services; or
it is not reasonable to collect contact information due to a risk to a person’s safety.
Collection of contact information using another method due to temporary circumstances
If a person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking cannot electronically collect contact information for visitors and staff at the time of entry because it is not possible to use the Check in Qld app due to unexpected circumstances, a risk of safety issues or because the business is located in a place that does not have mobile internet data connection, the person must collect and keep contact information using another method.
Example of another method – another electronic method such as a spreadsheet or another method such as a paper-based form.
Example of a place with mobile data internet connection - a remote camping ground or remote community may not have internet connection or mobile internet data available in the community.
Note - unexpected circumstances may include temporary issues such as failure of an internet service or breakdown in the Check in Qld app. Safety issues may include a risk of overcrowding while visitors wait to be checked in by the business using the Business Profile mode.
If contact information is collected using ‘another method’ under paragraph 24, the person who owns, controls or operates a business, activity or undertaking must:
use best endeavours to transfer any non-electronic information to an electronic system within 24 hours of collecting the information; and
Example – contact information may be collected each day on a handwritten sheet of paper and then entered into an electronic spreadsheet
comply with the requirements for collection and storage; and
if requested, provide the information collected under paragraph 22 and the electronic information under paragraph 25(a) to a public health officer.
PART 3A – OBLIGATION ON VISITORS TO PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION
Obligation on visitors to provide contact information
Visitors who attend a business, activity or undertaking specified in Schedule 1 must at the time of entry provide their contact information to the operator of the business by:
using the Check in Qld App; or
providing their contact details to the operator of the business to be registered using the Business Profile mode of the Check In Qld app; or
if another method of collection is being used under paragraph 22, using that method.
If a visitor is unable to provide contact information because of age, disability or language barriers in relation to the Check In Qld App or the other method of collection, another person may provide contact information on the person’s behalf.
A visitor is not required to provide contact information if:
the visitor is younger than 16 years old and is not accompanied by a parent or adult who can provide information on their behalf; or
the visitor is younger than 16 years old and is part of a group attending an activity organised by a school, sporting team or community group; or
Example – A school, sporting team or community group attending a venue as part of an excursion are not required to check in school-aged children. Any adults escorting the children must check in to the venue using the Check In Qld app. Paragraph 26(b) does not apply to children attending an activity organised by a person acting in a private capacity.
if it would present a risk to the person’s safety.
PART 3B – OBLIGATION ON STAFF TO PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION
Obligation on staff to provide contact information
Staff who enter a business, activity or undertaking specified in Schedule 1 must at the time of entry provide their contact information to the operator of the business by:
using the Check in Qld App; or
providing their contact details to the operator of the business to be registered using the Business Profile mode of the Check In Qld app; or
if another method of collection is being used under paragraph 22, using that method.
Staff who unable to provide contact information or proof of COVID-19 vaccination because of age, disability or language barriers in relation to the Check In Qld App or the other method of collection, another person may provide contact information or proof of COVID-19 vaccination on the person’s behalf.
Staff are not required to provide contact information if:
the staff member is younger than 16 years old; or
the staff member enters in an emergency or is entering to provide emergency services; or
the staff member enters to provide emergency works; or
if it would present a risk to the staff member’s safety.
PART 4 – MISCELLANEOUS
A person to whom Part 2 applies must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a medical contraindication if requested by an emergency officer (public health).
PART 5 – PENALTIES
A person to whom the direction applies commits an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the direction.
Section 362D of the Public Health Act 2005 provides:
Failure to comply with public health directions
- A person to whom a public health direction applies must comply with the direction unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
- Maximum penalty—100 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.
Dr Peter Aitken
Chief Health Officer
7 December 2021
Published on the Queensland Health website at 10:45 am AEST 7 December 2021
SCHEDULE 1 – BUSINESSES, ACTIVITIES AND UNDERTAKINGS
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, activity, undertaking | Contact information, COVID safe checklist and other requirements | Fully vaccinated visitors or staff, or those with evidence of a medical contraindication – entry requirements | Unvaccinated persons – entry requirements |
Schedule 1A. Vaccination required for entry to business, activity or undertaking, or part of it(For a multi-purpose venue, the relevant rules apply to each area of the venue based on the use of that area) | |||
| Hospitality Venues | |||
Cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSL clubs, taverns, function centres, bars, wineries, distilleries and microbreweries, and these premises in accommodation hotels, or within a shopping centre or other unrestricted business, activity or undertaking. Food courts are out of scope for the vaccination entry requirements. | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Note: Contact information is not required to be collected for home delivery Contact information is required to be collected for takeaway service. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted to enter except to an unrestricted or less restricted part of the business, activity or undertaking, such as a privately hired part of the venue. Example: where a sporting club has both a restaurant and a sporting field, or hires out a part of the venue exclusively for a private function, the entry rules applicable to each area apply. People that work in or enter the restricted part are required to be vaccinated; people using the sporting field do not need to be vaccinated, unvaccinated people may only enter the space hired for the private function (and occupant density limits apply). |
| Indoor Entertainment Venues | |||
| Nightclubs | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| Indoor live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres, cinemas, bowling alleys, amusement arcade | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
Casinos, gaming or gambling venues that are open to, and accessible by, members of the public Note: a standalone wagering outlet is out of scope for the vaccination entry requirements | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| Convention centres, including any outdoor areas | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply. | Not permitted |
| Adult entertainment venues (strip clubs), brothels, sex on premises venues and sole operator sex workers | Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist Where the use of the Check In Qld app would result in safety or liability issues, the business, activity or undertaking must:
if requested, provide the information collected to a public health officer within a stated time. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply. | Not permitted |
| Outdoor Entertainment Activities | |||
Stadiums For all major sporting matches and other events with 5,000 or more visitors | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors, players and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
Stadiums For all major sporting matches and other events with 5000 or less visitors | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Permitted Occupant density does not apply | Permitted Occupant density does not apply |
Theme parks, outdoor amusement parks, tourism experiences, but not including national parks and public gardens. Note: ferry services operating as a transport provider are not considered a tourism experience and need only comply with the requirements relating to essential transport services when operating as such. | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Live aboard and passenger vessels where passengers are accommodated overnight may operate with up to a maximum of 99 passengers. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist where there is no COVID Safe Site Specific Plan required for the site | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| Zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| Showgrounds | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist where there is no COVID Safe Site Specific Plan required for the site | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted except in the context of private venue hire |
| Festivals (Entire venue – indoor and outdoor) | |||
| Cultural festivals, art festivals, music festivals, where ticketed entry applies | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain. No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| Government owned Galleries, Museums and Libraries | |||
| Galleries, museums, national and state institutions and historic sites | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain. No COVID-19 density limits apply | Not permitted |
| State government libraries | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain. No COVID-19 density limits apply where all attendees are vaccinated. | Not permitted |
| Vulnerable Settings | |||
Prisons and youth detention centres – personal visiting areas Note: Aged Care, Hospital, Disability Services – visitor restrictions are provided in the Residential Aged Care Facilities Direction (No.10); the Disability Accommodation Services Direction (No.25) and the Hospital Entry Direction (No.6). Note: vaccination requirements for staff in prisons and other vulnerable settings are provided for in the Workers in Healthcare (COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements) Direction, and in the Residential Aged Care Facilities Direction (No.10); the Disability Accommodation Services Direction (No.25) and the Hospital Entry Direction (No.6). The requirements in this direction do not apply to prison staff or inmates. | Personal visitors to a prison and to a youth detention centre must be fully vaccinated or have evidence of a medical contraindication, except where an unvaccinated person is required to accompany a minor or other person as a parent, guardian, carer or support person. An unvaccinated person who is permitted to enter the prison for this purpose must follow risk mitigation measures (e.g. face masks) put in place by the prison. Example: a child visiting a parent in prison may be accompanied by an unvaccinated parent or carer, but the unvaccinated parent must wear a face mask at all times during the visit. No COVID-19 density limits apply. | Not permitted unless: an unvaccinated person is required to accompany a minor or other person as a parent, guardian, carer or support person. An unvaccinated person who is permitted to enter the prison for this purpose must follow risk mitigation measures (e.g. face masks) put in place by the prison. Example: a child visiting a parent in prison may be accompanied by an unvaccinated parent or carer, but the unvaccinated parent must wear a face mask at all times during the visit. | |
Schedule 1B - Unvaccinated persons may enter - other requirements apply to venue | |||
| Hospitality and entertainment | |||
| Food courts | Note: Contact information is not required to be collected for home delivery Contact information is required to be collected for takeaway service. | Permitted Occupant density limit applies in indoor spaces – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted Occupant density limit applies in indoor spaces– no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces |
| Wedding ceremonies and receptions | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain. No COVID-19 density limits apply | Permitted If any persons are unvaccinated, including the wedding party and officials, a maximum of only 20 people can attend. |
Private hire of a venue: Cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSL clubs, taverns, function centres, bars, wineries, distilleries and microbreweries, and premises in hotels Night clubs Indoor live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres, cinemas Casinos, gaming or gambling venues including wagering outlets that are open to, and accessible by, members of the public Adult entertainment venues Note: a venue is privately hired whether compensation is paid for the hire, or it is free. | Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3, or for an adult entertainment venue – Where the use of the Check In Qld app would result in safety or liability issues, the business, activity or undertaking must:
if requested, provide the information collected to a public health officer within a stated time. | Only fully vaccinated visitors and staff, or those with a medical contraindication, permitted to enter and remain. No COVID-19 density limits apply. | Permitted For private hire of venues, if a person who is not fully vaccinated is in attendance, the following COVID-19 density limit applies – a maximum of 20 people or 1 per 4 square metres, whichever is less. Where the whole venue is not hired exclusively, people in attendance at the part of the venue that is privately hired must not enter into restricted areas of the venue unless otherwise permitted under this Direction. |
| Residential facilities | |||
Short term rentals and short-term accommodation Example: hotels, serviced apartments including holiday rentals, holiday accommodation or hosting accommodation provided through online booking platforms Example: hostels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, boarding houses | Facilities must only allow the number of persons permitted under the specific booking, letting or rental agreement for the premises or part of the premises to remain there overnight. A guest, or visitor of a guest, is not required to provide contact information each time they enter the accommodation. A guest or visitor of a guest is required to provide contact information when first entering the accommodation. Note – facilities that only accommodate seasonal workers must comply with the Seasonal Workers International Quarantine Plans and Checklist Direction or its successors. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist. | Only fully vaccinated persons, or those with a medical contraindication, are permitted to enter and remain in restricted areas of an accommodation venue, for example a café, dining room, pub, nightclub or restaurant within a hotel. Occupant density is - in indoor spaces, excluding sleeping areas. Example – shared dining or kitchen facilities indoors. Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by guests or visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted An unvaccinated person may enter and remain in the accommodation part of the premises, but is not permitted to enter and remain in restricted areas of the accommodation, for example a café, dining room, pub, nightclub or restaurant within a hotel. Occupant density applies in indoor spaces, excluding sleeping areas. Example – shared dining or kitchen facilities indoors. Occupant density is – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by guests or visitors in indoor spaces |
Caravan and camping parks National parks | A guest, or visitor of a guest, is not required to provide contact information each time they enter the accommodation. A guest or visitor of a guest is required to provide contact information when first entering the accommodation | Permitted Occupant density does not apply | Permitted Occupant density does not apply |
| Professional and elite sport | |||
| Professional sporting codes, elite sport, elite athletes | Operate in accordance with a COVID Safe Professional Sporting Code Plan. | Permitted Occupant density does not apply | Permitted Occupant density does not apply |
| Other settings | |||
Dine-in-canteens Example: military base, schools, university dormitories, mining camp | Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Occupant density does not apply | Permitted Occupant density does not apply |
| Other religious and civil ceremonies, churches and places of worship (excluding wedding ceremonies and funerals) | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Indoor spaces- occupant density limit applies– no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors: or 100 per cent of seated venue capacity with ticketed and allocated seating up to a maximum of 200 people, whichever is greater. Outdoor – occupant density limit does not apply. | Permitted The same occupant density limit applies. |
| Funerals | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Funerals only in an outdoor space do not have to collect contact information. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted At an indoor space - occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres; or 100 per cent of seated venue capacity with ticketed and allocated seating up to a maximum of 200 people, whichever is greater. Note – a funeral held indoors may have 100 per cent capacity of 500 people in ticketed and allocated seating, even if this exceeds 1 person per 2 square metres. Funerals in an outdoor space do not have an occupant density and do not have to collect contact information but must comply with other requirements of this public health direction. | Permitted The same occupant density limit applies. |
| Universities and other higher education institutions such as Technical And Further Education (TAFE) and Registered Training Organisations (RTO) | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Universities and other higher educational institutions such as TAFEs and RTOs must comply with occupant density in large lecture settings. Occupant density is – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces; or 100 per cent of seated venue capacity with ticketed and allocated seating. Note – smaller education and teaching sessions, such as group seminars, tutorials, practicals and laboratory-based learnings, and vocational training sessions are not subject to occupant density. Physical distancing should be observed to the extent possible. | Permitted The same occupant density limit applies |
| Community facilities (such as community centres and halls, recreation centres, youth centres, community clubs, PCYCs) excluding any dining, gaming or hospitality business in the facility | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Permitted Indoor - occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors | Permitted Indoor - occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors |
Water-based spa services such as saunas, bathhouses and floatation services | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces |
Outdoor community events Examples: movie in the park, carols in the park, New Years Eve fire works, marathons, fetes, drive-in cinema | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Permitted No COVID-19 density limits apply | Permitted No COVID-19 density limits apply |
Markets Example: farmers markets, artisan markets, Christmas markets | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. | Permitted No COVID-19 density limits apply | Permitted No COVID-19 density limits apply |
| Indoor play centre | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces |
| Auction houses, real estate auctions and open house inspections | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces |
| Gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit boxes, barre, spin facilities dance studios, boot camps and personal training are out of scope for the vaccination entry requirements | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces | Permitted Occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors in indoor spaces |
| Indoor sports centres and venues, indoor social sporting based activities, community sports clubs, indoor swimming pools open to the public. | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. Operate in accordance with the COVID Safe Checklist | Permitted Sport in indoor spaces - occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres No occupant density requirement on the field of play or in the pool. Physical distancing to be observed out of the pool. Indoor occupant density requirements apply to shared change rooms. Example – spectators watching an indoor basketball game must observe physical distancing to the extent possible. Participants, coaches, officials and other support functions (trainers, medical staff etc) are not required to observe the person per square metre occupant density rule on the field. Example – spectators and coaches at a water polo game must observe physical distancing to the extent possible. Players are not required to observe the person per square metre occupant density rule in the pool. | Permitted Sport in indoor spaces - occupant density limit applies – no more than 1 person per 2 square metres No occupant density requirement on the field of play Example – spectators watching an indoor basketball game must observe physical distancing to the extent possible. Participants, coaches, officials and other support functions (trainers, medical staff etc) are not required to observe the person per square metre occupant density rule on the field. |
Schedule 1C – Businesses, activities or undertakings required to collect contact information onlyNo restrictions on entry or occupant density requirements apply | |||
Any part of a place of business to which the public is ordinarily given access for the purpose of accessing retail goods and retail services, except to the extent the goods and services are supplied in a drive through or supplied at a person’s place of residence. Examples: Retail shopping centres, food courts, take away shops (no or minimal seating), department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, grocers, bakeries, butcher's shops, fishmongers, bottle shops, convenience stores, delicatessens, bank branches, post offices, customer service branches of insurers, hardware stores, newsagents, furniture stores, electrical stores, recreational goods stores, clothing and footwear stores, newsagents, a part of a place engaged in agriculture or industry which sells to the public the produce or products of the business, and indoor and outdoor food, craft or other markets, service stations and roadhouses, including convenience outlets and food courts within a roadhouse or service station. | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3. A retail business that is specified in Schedule 1A or Schedule 1B is also required to comply with all applicable requirements of this Direction. Example – a café or bar within a shopping centre must comply with occupant density and the COVID Safe Checklist. The operator of a shopping centre must collect contact information in accordance with Part 3 for all people entering the shopping centre. A person entering a shopping centre or place of business with more than one restricted business, must provide contact information at the time of entry to the shopping centre, and at the time of entry to each business in the centre. Non-retail businesses within a shopping centre are not required to collect contact information in accordance with Part 3, however it is highly encouraged. Example: GP clinic within a shopping centre. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply unless the business is specified above in Schedule 1A or Schedule 1B. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply unless the business is specified above in Schedule 1A or Schedule 1B. Note: Certain venues within shopping centres may have vaccination entry requirements. Example: unvaccinated persons are not permitted to enter cafes and restaurants within a shopping centre but can enter the shopping centre, and other shops within in it such as pharmacies, grocery stores and post offices. The unvaccinated person can buy takeaway from a café or restaurant within a shopping centre. |
Any part of a government service to which the public is ordinarily given access to obtain government services. Examples: Customer service centres providing licensing and registration services for members of the public, Queensland Courts, post office, Medicare office, CentreLink | Contact information must be collected in accordance with Part 3, unless this would result in safety or liability issues. Police stations, watch houses, courthouses, premises used for intelligence or national security functions, correctional facilities and detention centres are excluded. The requirement in column 1 does not apply to hospitals. Hospitals are required to collect contact information about all visitors to a hospital (excluding staff) using the Check In Qld App in accordance with the Hospital Entry Direction (No. 6) or its successors. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply. |
Any transport operator that operates a taxi, rideshare, limousine, water taxi or ferry to which the public is ordinarily given access for transport services. Notes: Each vehicle must have an individual QR code. A person operating a transport service for multiple booking entities only requires a single QR code for the vehicle. A person operating a transport service must check in using the app at the commencement of their shift. | Contact information must be collected using the Check In Qld app, unless this would result in safety or liability issues. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply. | No vaccination entry requirement Occupant density does not apply. |
SCHEDULE 2 – DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Public Health Direction:
Business, activity or undertaking is as listed in Schedule 1.
Business Profile mode means the ability for businesses to electronically register by entering customer contact details via ‘Check In Qld Business Profile mode’ listed in the profile section of the app.
Check In Qld app means the app developed by the Queensland Government for contact tracing purposes which, when used by a person, provides the Queensland Government with the person’s contact information and details of the person’s attendance at a restricted business, activity or undertaking.
Note – Each person should check in individually using the Check In Qld app or have a person in their group or the business check in on their behalf.
Contact information means the information collected by the Check in Qld app or, if another collection method is permitted under this Direction, the name, phone number, email address, and the date and time of attendance of visitors and staff.
COVID-19 density limits means no more than 1 person per 4 square metres for areas open to or used by visitors.
COVID-19 digital certificate means an electronic certificate outlining a person’s vaccination status for the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID Safe Checklist means the COVID Safe Checklist published on the Queensland Health website.
COVID Safe Professional Sporting Code Plan means a COVID Safe Plan for a professional sporting code of national significance approved by the Chief Health Officer or a delegate.
COVID Safe Site Specific Plan means a site-specific COVID Safe Plan for unique and/or large businesses approved by the Chief Health Officer or a delegate.
COVID-19 vaccine means a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Eligible health professionals means any of the following:
fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or
fellows of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or
on Medicare’s Vocation Register of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or
practice registrar on an approved 3GA training placement; or
paediatrician; or
public health physician; or
infectious diseases physician; or
clinical immunologist.
Emergency works means a workplace emergency that threatens to risk or disrupt workplace operations or cause damage.
Example: a power outage, or a burst water main.
Fully vaccinated means a person who is 16 years of age or over has received the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Note: Information about the World Health Organization COVAX program and WHO emergency use listing is available here: WHO COVID-19 vaccines.
Note: a person who has evidence of a medical contraindication is treated as being fully vaccinated.
Immunisation history statement means a statement that displays all the immunisations a person has had that are on the Australian Immunisation Register.
Note: further information can be found on https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/australian-immunisation-register
In attendance a person who is attending the venue as a visitor, visitor or worker.
International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate means a secure record of vaccinations for people travelling internationally that meets agreed international travel standards.
Note: further information can be found on https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/what-types-proof-there-are/international-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-proof
Medical contraindication means a temporary or permanent contraindication that is notified to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by a medical practitioner completing an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation medical exemptions form in relation to a person and recorded on the person’s Immunisation History Statement (IHS).
Note: Evidence of a recognised medical contraindication means a COVID-19 vaccination medical exemption recorded by an eligible health professional on the Australian Immunisation Register for the person. A person who provides evidence of a medical contraindication is treated as if they are fully vaccinated.
Non-restricted business, activity or undertaking means a business, activity or undertaking that is not listed in Schedule 1 of this Direction.
Occupant density means the number of people permitted within a square metre; where it is not specified and where the COVID-19 density limit does not apply, there is no occupant density requirement.
Physical distancing includes remaining at least 1.5 metres away from other persons where possible.
Private hire of venue means any space, area, room or venue that is hired out, whether for a fee or not, for private purposes or functions including presentations, conferences, parties, weddings, or funerals. Where only part of the venue is used for the private function, persons at the function must comply with the vaccination entry requirements for any other part of the venue.
Note: where a function room or venue has been hired that forms part of a hospitality venue, the room or area hired is subject to the COVID-19 density limits specified in Schedule 1.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination means the evidence required in paragraph 20 that verifies a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Note: a person who provides evidence of a medical contraindication is treated as if they are fully vaccinated.
Public health controls are measures to reduce public health risks. These measures may include environmental cleaning, hygiene measures, regular washing of hands, availability of hand sanitiser and avoiding handshaking.
Public health officer includes an emergency officer (general), a contact tracing officer or an authorised person under section 377 of the Public Health Act.
Requirements for collection and storage means:
securely storing contact information and not using it for any other purpose, other than for contact tracing; and
deleting the information after not less than 30 days and not more than 56 days.
Staff means anyone that enters, works at, provides services or volunteers at premises as part of the ongoing operation of a business, activity or undertaking, and whose services or delivery of goods cannot be provided or delivered in a contactless way. Staff may be employed as an employee, contractor or otherwise engaged, including as a volunteer or student on a placement in connection with an enrolled course of study.
Note: A worker who visits a high-risk setting as an incidental part of their duties but is not providing services as part of, or to, the business, activity or undertaking or their delivery or service is provided contactlessly, is not a worker at the business, activity or undertaking but is a visitor to the premises.
Example: barista, cleaner, chef, wait staff, decorator, on site support person, volunteers for an event, performers at an entertainment venue.
Stadium means a sports stadium, which may also be used for other events, located in the State of Queensland (for example: North Queensland Stadium (Queensland Country Bank Stadium), The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, Metricon Stadium, Queensland Tennis Centre, Moreton Daily Stadium, Sunshine Coast Stadium).
Ticketed and allocated seating means fixed seating where a person is:
given a record of their assigned seat number by way of a ticket; and
remains in their assigned seat to the extent possible while they are present at the venue or event.
Unvaccinated means a person who is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless the person has a medical contraindication.
Vaccination entry requirements means the requirement for a person to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have evidence of a medical contraindication in order to enter and remain in the relevant business, activity, or undertaking, and to determine the occupant density and other requirements that apply to the business, activity or undertaking.
Visitor means a person, including a guest or patron, who enters a business, activity or undertaking other than as staff of the business, activity or undertaking, and includes employees of other businesses and government employees entering under an arrangement with the owner or operator, or in the performance of their duties.
Example: a government employee entering a café to consult with the owner or with staff as part of their work duties is a visitor and must comply with the COVID-19 vaccination and other requirements of this public health direction to enter. The owner or operator of the business, activity or undertaking must sight evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination but does not need to retain a record of it.
Example: a worker employed by another business but performing duties in the business, activity or undertaking is a visitor and must provide contact information and show evidence of their vaccination to the owner, operator or their staff.