Another lockdown possible as Brisbane enters new stage of restrictions

Greater Brisbane will remain “on heightened alert” until January 22, which will mark the end of the virus’s 14-day incubation period.

During the next 10 days, face masks will remain mandatory at indoor public spaces, capacity limits will be reduced and fewer people can gather inside homes.

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Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the virus variant, known as B.1.1.7 or 501Y.V1, would need to be detected in people who had been out in the community, rather than isolation, for the rules to continue past January 22.

“We are really at the start of understanding this new variant, that is why we have had to be so cautious,” she said.

“I am not sure we will have to be as cautious if we have a case in the future, but while we just don’t know…