This morning the Premier announced a 3-day lockdown for the Greater Brisbane area from 5:00pm tonight until 5:00pm Thursday 1 April. This lockdown is for residents in the local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Logan and Redlands. Anyone who has been in these local government areas since Saturday 20 March is required to stay at home except for essential reasons. This includes people who have travelled to these areas from other locations.

Early childhood services in the lockdown areas will remain open and operating to children of essential workers and vulnerable children unless advised otherwise by Queensland Health.

The protocols surrounding mask wearing has not changed, therefore, educators and staff are not required to wear masks when working with children. For the rest of Queensland, masks should be worn while indoors, except at home. You may wish to communicate this information to educators, staff and families who attend your service. Children 12 years and under and people affected by a medical condition are exempt. 

As noted in the Queensland Health FAQs, temporary removal of masks is permitted for eating and drinking and when necessary for your employment, for example, an early childhood educator may remove their mask when communicating with children in their care. As you know communicating with children is a large part of the day, services should consider discussing with staff to determine the parts of the day where educators are not communicating with children.

The Queensland Health website has up-to-date information on the 3-day lockdown, including all restrictions, maps of affected areas and frequently asked questions.

ACA Qld will provide further advice as it becomes available. Remember to refer to our Managing a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) page in the Member's area on the ACA Qld website if you are directed to close.

Read the Member Alert.