Southeast Queensland has been released from lockdown but it has only just started for Cairns after a taxi driver was infectious in the community for 10 days.

The state recorded nine new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, with seven of those linked to the Indooroopilly cluster.

One case is under investigation on the Gold Coast while a Cairns taxi driver has authorities concerned. A number of the man’s household contacts are also unwell and the man worked in the community while infectious.

“Given that this gentleman has been in the community infectious for ten days and given that he’s had two positive tests, both with very low CT values, which means a lot of virus, I think the risk is reasonably high,” the state’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

As a result, the far north city and Yarrabah local government areas were plunged into a three-day lockdown at 4pm, just as southeast Queensland emerged from its lockdown.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was proud of Queenslanders for completing eight days of lockdown. Photo / News Corp Australia

In Cairns/Yarrabah, non-essential businesses are not allowed to operate, including gyms, and places of worship will close.

Childcare centres will remain open but only for children of essential workers.

Restaurants and cafes can provide take away or home delivery services.

Funerals and weddings will be limited to 20 people.

A face mask must be worn at all times outside the home, which can only be left for:

• Obtaining essential goods or services within 10km, including healthcare
• Exercising in the local area
• Attending essential work or school and childcare for the children of essential workers or vulnerable children
• Assisting vulnerable persons
• Obtaining a Covid-19 test or vaccination

Health authorities say more people need to get vaccinated to minimise the risk of future lockdowns. Photo / News Corp Australia

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who came out of hotel quarantine on Sunday morning following her trip to the Tokyo Olympics, said Queenslanders had done a “mighty job” over eight days and thanked the 11,177 people in home quarantine.

But she warned “we are not out of the woods”.

“We need to make sure that we are making some extra precautions,” she said.

For the next two weeks in southeast Queensland:

• Gatherings in homes are restricted to up to 10 people, including the people that live there
• Up to 10 people can gather in public spaces such as parks and beaches
• Businesses and venues that had been closed, such as hospitality, gyms and hairdressers, can now open with one person per four square metres or 50 per cent ticketed and seated.
• Only 20 people can attend weddings and funeral, including those officiating
• Schools will re-open but precautionary measures include students wearing masks at school and while travelling to and from school

Given Victoria had been plunged into its sixth lockdown a week after it was released from its fifth, the Premier said Queenslanders “should be under no illusion” that the next outbreak could happen at any time.

“We are seeing this Delta strain take hold in countries all around the world. We have to go on what the best advice is about going hard and going fast,” she said.

“It is absolutely imperative to wear your mask. If you’re sick, go and get tested. And when it’s your turn, go and get vaccinated.

“This is absolutely critical. Every single state and territory is on board with this strategy.”

Dr Young said it was absolutely critical the more than 11,000 people in home quarantine completed their 14 days.

Text by Ellen Ransley and Rebecca Le May, news.com.au