Yahoo Finance ‘Tomorrow’: Queensland promises COVID-19 cash amid snap lockdown
Financial and business support is on its way to Queenslanders, the deputy premier has confirmed, and will likely be announced tomorrow.
Queensland will descend into a snap lockdown from 4pm today after recording six locally-acquired cases of COVID-19.
When asked whether the state was considering financial support for workers or business owners, Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed it was “looking at both”.
“We'll be looking at both what compensation arrangements should be provided for businesses and for workers who are affected by the lockdown,” Miles said.
He added that the state was looking to receive a “similar level of support from the Commonwealth” that other states had received.
The Federal Government is providing $450 and $750 COVID-19 Disaster Payments to individuals in lockdown anywhere across the nation, while NSW has provided business grants of up to $100,000 a week.
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“We just ask you to bear with us throughout the day as we work through those details and hopefully have something to talk about tomorrow at our update."
Miles said Queensland’s lockdown, which encompasses 11 LGAs including Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Noosa Shire Council, will be in lockdown until Tuesday 4pm in what he described the “strictest lockdown” the state has had.
"We must go hard and go early,” he said.
Queensland residents in lockdown areas will be permitted to leave home only for the following four reasons: essential work, study or childcare; exercising; buying food or supplies; and receiving healthcare, including COVID-19 testing or vaccinations.
Hospitality venues must be takeaway-only and non-essential businesses and retailers must close.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated short, sharp lockdowns were the best way to deal with the Delta strain of COVID-19.
"In this phase, you've got to move quick, and that means it can be short," Morrison told Nine Radio.
"Once it gets going, it is very hard to get back into the box, as we're seeing in New South Wales."
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