REDLANDS residents have flocked to shopping centres this morning as tough new coronavirus lockdown restrictions are imposed on greater Brisbane for the next three days.
IGA Mount Cotton was busy this morning as people rushed to get supplies, with new measures like those brought in last March to come into effect from 6pm tonight.
However Capalaba MP Don Brown is urging people to be sensible and not panic buy.
"There is no need to panic buy today, people are allowed out to get groceries but they just need to wear a mask," he said.
Mr Brown said the government will be watching the situation over the next three days.
People may only leave their home for essential shopping, essential work, to provide healthcare to a vulnerable person, or for exercise in their local neighbourhood.
The lockdown will run until 6pm on Monday night.
"Obviously we have moved quickly to ensure that this more contagious strain of COVID-19 is contained. We need to get on top of this and ensure we can go back to some normality soon," Mr Brown said.
Queensland Health has also urged residents in the greater Brisbane area to avoid panic buying.
They are reminding residents that stores will still be open for essential shopping during the lockdown period.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged anyone with symptoms to get tested during this morning's snap announcement.
Redland Hospital's fever clinic is open from 8am to 2pm over the weekend, and 8am to 4pm on Monday.
No referral or booking is required, and testing is available for people of all ages.
A list of Redland clinics can be found here.
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