Hefty fines for attacks on Qld workers
Queenslanders who deliberately spit, cough or sneeze on frontline workers will now also have to cough up a $1300 on-the-spot fine.
The crackdown on attacks on health workers, shop assistants and police officers was announced on Monday by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
"It's absolutely disgusting to think some people are putting other people's lives at risk," she said.
"People are taking their frustrations out on some of our essential workers and its not on."
That fine could rise to more than $13,000 if their cases goes to court.
Medical staff stationed at fever clinics and paramedics have faced threats of being coughed on by the people they are treating, Health Minister Steven Miles said.
"They should never feel threatened at work, they should certainly never be threatened with being deliberately infected with COVID-19," he said.
"A cough can be used as a weapon, a sneeze can be as dangerous as a knife, spitting is, of course, always disgusting."
It comes as another three Queenslanders have been diagnosed with COVID-19 as the state looks to relax some restrictions on the upcoming long weekend.
There are 101 active cases, with six of the15 people in hospital on ventilators to help them breathe.
There is a limit on what restrictions will be eased from midnight on Friday, but officials say it's needed after weeks in semi-lockdown.
That has had an impact on people's mental health, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
There'll be no change to schools until at least May 15 and the state's borders will remain closed.
But family picnics and weekend drives will be allowed, national parks will reopen and people can shop for clothing and shoes.
However, citizens must stay within 50 kilometres of their homes, and social distancing will still be enforced.
"It is going to be really important people practice their social distancing, make sure you are abiding by those social distancing rule," Ms Palaszczuk added.
People from the same household can go out together, while those who live alone can spend time with one other person.
Ms Palaszczuk said she was keen to see sport start up and had received a proposal from the NRL that is now under review by Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young.
However it must be safe for players and communities, she added.
Fewer than 100 people diagnosed with COVID-19 are yet to recover.
Of particular concern to officials is one case confirmed on Saturday, with authorities yet to determine where the patient contracted the illness on Brisbane's north side.
