COVID updates, restrictions and hotspots

 

On 8 May 2020 the Queensland Government released Queensland’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 restrictions. On 2 October 2020, the Queensland Government released the details of the easing of restrictions for Stages 4, 5 and 6 through to December 2020. 

Arts and cultural businesses should consider the key information below as they implement COVID-Safe business practices.

 

The Direction from the Chief Health Officer effective from 1am 1 December 2020:

• Movement and Gathering Direction (No. 7) 

• Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12)

All restricted businesses, activities or undertakings listed in Schedule 1 of the Health Direction must comply with the COVID Safe Business Framework. Approved COVID Safe Industry, Event or Site Plans are required where restricted businesses want to offer their services to more than 50 people at a time. View the COVID Safe plan for businesses.

FAQS

What is the impact?

We strongly recommend you refer to above Health Directions and associated FAQs in relation to considering impacts and the operation of your arts business.

For all arts businesses from 1 December 2020:

• All indoor premises may now have 1 person per 2 square metres indoors, observing physical distancing rules (remain at least 1.5 metres away from other wherever possible) including indoor venues.
• Indoor venue density increases from 50% to 100% capacity for ticketed and seated (allocated seating) events and performances. Indoor venues can alternatively use the 1 person per 2 square metres standing density observing physical distancing rules wherever possible.
  • When attending these events you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when you are not sitting in your allocated seat and it is not possible to physically distance. This could include entering or exiting the venue, leaving your seat to go to the bathroom or purchasing food or drinks.
• The minimum 4 metre rule between performers and the audience is reduced to a minimum of 2 metres - except for choirs which remain at a minimum of 4 metres (both indoor and outdoor).
• Outdoor dancing allowed in a designated dance area at outdoor music events, festivals and live music areas such as beer gardens ensuring the maximum density of 1 person per 2 square metres is not exceeded on the dance area and there are no mosh pits.
• As of noon Monday 14 December 2020, indoor dancing will also be allowed with physical distancing measures in place and ensuring the maximum density of 1 person per 2 square metres is not exceeded on the dance area and there are no mosh pits.
• Maximum number of people permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Events checklist increases from 1000 to 1500.
• If not complying with an approved Industry Plan or Site Specific Plan, businesses will need to have a COVID Safe Checklist or a COVID Safe Event Checklist.

For events:

The Queensland Government COVID-19 website has information and checklists to support COVID-safe events and delivery in Queensland. It is important that event operators have strong risk management procedures in place given the current environment and follow Public Health Directions.

For specific questions on COVID Safe events there is also information on the Roadmap to easing restrictions www.covid19.qld.gov.au or contact the Helpline 134 COVID (13 42 68).

The Framework for COVID Safe Events:

• fewer than 1,500 people – no approval needed when following a COVID Safe Event Checklist
• 1,500 to 10,000 people – need a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by local public health units
• Over 10,000 people – need a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Queensland Chief Health Officer.

Do I need to do an Industry Plan?

COVID Safe Industry Plans are developed by industry organisations on behalf of sector businesses that seek specific guidelines or more flexibility.

Industry plans for the arts and cultural sector should be developed in liaison with Arts Queensland and are submitted to Queensland Health for approval.

Industry plans for the arts and cultural sector include:

• Ausdance QLD – Dance and Physical Performing Arts – updated Revision 5 dated 29 October 2020
• Stage Queensland – Live Performance Venues/Theatres - Updated version 7 dated 24 October 2020
• Q Music – live music venues (submitted for review)
• Ausdance QLD – Choirs, Vocal, Instrumental, Music Theatre (submitted for review)
• Museums and Galleries Queensland (submitted for review). 

Do I need to develop a Site Specific Plan?

Site specific plans are only required by large businesses with complex operations.

Arts Queensland has worked with Queensland Health to support the development of site specific plans.

This includes Queensland Museum Network, Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, State Library of Queensland and Woodford Folk Festival which all now have approved Site Specific Plans in place.

To guide consideration of a Site Specific plan, development of which must be approved by and lodged with Queensland Health can be found here.

Need advice?

For health advice about COVID-19 call: 134 COVID (13 42 68).

More information about Public Health Directions can be found on the Queensland Health website

For advice about COVID-safe arts and cultural considerations, call Arts Queensland on 3034 4016 (reception) and you will be referred to an appropriate advisor, or email: consultation@arts.qld.gov.au