Queensland is forging ahead with voting for local council elections this weekend, despite strict new social distancing measures that ban crowds from gathering in public.

The decision was today labelled “downright dangerous” by Today host Allison Langdon on Nine’s morning show.

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“This is something I cannot believe this morning. Queensland is pressing ahead with tomorrow's local council elections. This is at a time when we are pleading with people, ‘Stay home, limit your movements.’ Why hasn’t Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called this off? It doesn’t seem right,” Langdon said.

“I think it is downright dangerous and it’s a decision that could cost lives, because if you don’t turn up you could cop a fine of $133,” she said.



Later in the show, Langdon crossed to reporter Dominque Loudon who said the decision had Queensland voters “incredibly concerned and pretty baffled as to why they are being told to still head out and vote in these council elections tomorrow considering it’s been drummed into all of us about avoiding large gatherings, adhering to social distancing guidelines and limiting our movements when we are away from home.”

Loudon listed the extra safety measures put in place for these elections – voters have been told to bring their own pencils, there will be hand sanitisers on site, booths will be cleaned regularly and fewer than 100 people will be allowed inside buildings at any time.

“The Queensland Government is under increasing pressure to postpone these elections tomorrow, but as of right now, they are definitely going ahead,” Loudon said.

‘WEAR A MASK’ TO VOTE

Commenting on the elections, Australia’s deputy chief health officer Professor Paul Kelly said: “Anyone who is sick should not be going to vote, at least in person. Second of all – people should keep their distance, and third of all – probably if the voting area is full of people, perhaps come back later.”

Australian Medical Association's Queensland branch president Dr Dilip Dhupelia went further.

“Those who have face masks wear them when they are at the polling stations,” he said.

Those attending 1100 polling stations around Queensland from 8am on Saturday will be issued with hand sanitiser along with extra pencils but can also bring their own. Tables and other surfaces will be wiped down regularly, booths and screens positioned to maintain 1.5m of separation and only 100 people allowed inside at a time.