COVID-19: Locals told to get jab or risk losing freedoms over Christmas as businesses discuss banning unvaccinated customers

It comes after Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced on Monday that businesses could be afforded eased restrictions in return for limiting their clientele to only those who had been fully vaccinated.

But there are concerns the strict rules will create a public divide, alienate locals and hamper already struggling businesses during the peak shopping season.

Queensland borders will be opened when the state's double-dose rate hits 80 per cent, likely on December 17, but only those fully vaccinated will be able to enter the state without going into quarantine.

They must also return a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrival, whether by road or air.

Several Logan businesses have already discussed banning unvaccinated customers, as the Australian Medical Association warns people to get their first jab before the end of October or potentially miss out on freedoms.

Mundoolun Community Centre president Raj Aggarwal said many local businesses were opposed to letting unvaccinated people into shops after the reopening date in case they were virus carriers.

"They are hoping the government will make it a mandate, because that will help them so they can use the government to say 'it is a government rule, you can't come in'. It will save them litigation," he said.

"That is what businesses are saying. The general public is already starting to ask the questions of their friends and family, 'are you vaccinated?'."

Logan Regional Chamber of Commerce vice president Joel Hall said people had a choice to get the vaccine, but would have to live with potential consequences if they opted out.

"It is going to come to a point where it will be potentially more difficult to live a normal life if you're unvaccinated," he said.

"It is more just letting businesses know that it is on them, they have the option, it is not going to be a government mandate.

"I think we all know which way government properties will go, but they have been very careful to ensure that private businesses are aware that they have that option."

Less than 50 per cent of the Logan population is fully vaccinated, seeing the city fall well behind neighbouring Redlands and many parts of south-east Queensland in double-dose rates.

Mr Aggarwal said businesses still feared lockdowns, despite Queensland getting through the pandemic relatively unscathed.

"If there is an outbreak, everyone goes into a lockdown, and that's what businesses don't want and that's the reason businesses are telling their staff to get vaccinated," he said.

"I have spoken to about a dozen shopkeepers, and they are telling me all their staff are vaccinated."

AMA Queensland president Professor Chris Perry said people would need to make a vaccine appointment now if they wanted to get out and about over Christmas.

"Take part in the state government's week-long vax-a-thon, visit your GP, go to a walk-in clinic, do whatever you need to do to get vaccinated," he said.

"People who are fully vaccinated are 86 per cent less likely to contract COVID and pass it on to someone else.

"Your chance of dying from COVID also drops by 90 per cent when you are vaccinated so if you are planning on being vaccinated, don't wait, now is the time to do it."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said unvaccinated people were running out of time.

"We cannot protect you if you won't protect yourself," she said.

"We want families and friends reunited for Christmas."

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