Schoolies cancelled and new restrictions as Gold Coast records two new COVID-19 cases

Schoolies cancelled and new restrictions as Gold Coast records two new COVID-19 cases

The COVID-19 cluster at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy has grown to four confirmed infections after another three people tested positive overnight.

Because two of the three new cases are people based on the Gold Coast, the state government has implemented new restrictions for the city.

For Gold Coast residents, this means that no more than 10 people can gather inside a house or outdoors, and aged care facilities will be locked down.

The third case was detected in a person from Forest Lake.

As such, the State Government has made the tough decision to cancel the annual Schoolies festival - traditionally a rite of passage for school leavers in Queensland.

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young has designated mass gatherings of young people over multiple days 'high risk'.

"This is not something that is unique to Queensland," Dr Young said.

"I feel terribly for this year's school leavers who have already been through so much.

"But that is the reality of keeping every family safe from this horrible disease."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said school-leavers should still celebrate their achievements and take advantage of being able to travel throughout the state.

"Schoolies Week doesn't have to be just one week," the Premier said.

"We are Good to Go across Queensland to some of the most beautiful places in the world right here in our own backyard."

Accommodation providers will be required to register guests as part of their COVID-safe plans.

The three new cases brings the total number of active cases in Queensland to 20.

Updated at 9:52am AEST on 28 August 2020.

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