View source for Qld Pitches To Host State Of Origin Opener

<br>Health Minister Yvette D'Ath says there's no place you would want to play State of Origin other than in Queensland, with the MCG's hosting rights in doubt.<br> <br>Victoria is on day one of seven-day lockdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne, which has swelled to 30 locally acquired cases.<br> <br>The lockdown has put in doubt the MCG's ability to host thousands of Origin I fans on June 9, with little certainty about social distancing and capacity restrictions.<br> <br>Ms D'Ath says Queensland is ready and able to host the opener and the state government is in talks with the NRL.<br> <br>"Where else would you want to play State of Origin, and you know, we've handled COVID so well in this state," she told reporters.<br> <br>Ms D'Ath said on her heart went out to Victorians at a difficult time, with businesses to take a hit and many people experiencing social isolation.<br> <br>"So our thoughts are with you, but if the State of Origin has got to move somewhere, there's no place like Queensland," she said.<br> <br>The health minister said she espected vaccinations in Queensland to rise after the lockdown in Victoria.<br> <br>Ms D'Ath said 23,000 40- to 49-year-olds had registered to get the jab in the past week.<br> <br>She received her first dose of AstraZeneca on Friday morning, allaying concerns about hesitancy in government itself.<br> <br>"I want to say how good it was to just go to my local GP and get my AstraZeneca vaccination," the minister said.<br> <br>"For those who are concerned, can I say to people, please go talk to your GP.<br> <br>"I found it really helpful myself to sit down with my GP and talk in detail about what the possible side effects and what the risks are, and  [https://sbobetcb.webcentral.eu/ sbobet asia] make an informed decision for myself."<br> <br>People arriving in Queensland who have been in Victoria since May 11 are being ordered into hotel quarantine.<br> <br>She said only state residents and people with exemptions should make the journey from Victoria.<br> <br>Police are meeting every flight arriving in Queensland and randomly intercepting cars crossing the NSW and Northern Territory borders.<br> <br>Ms D'Ath said she wasn't encouraging people report others for breaching the travel rules.<br> <br>"We don't need people dobbing others in, but we do say, we all have a part to play," she said.<br> <br>"If we want our economies open, if we want to be able to go to our shopping centres and our clubs and our pubs and go out for dinner, if we want large gatherings for birthdays and catching up with family, we can only do this if everyone does their part, particularly when there is community transmission happening in any state or territory."<br>