Qld teachers union demands schools shut now

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged people to "stay in your suburb" but remains adamant schools will stay open, as the state tallies 60 new coronavirus cases, a record surge in daily numbers.

Key points:

• There are now more than 300 COVID-19 cases in Queensland
• The teachers' union is threatening strike action if schools are not closed
• More than 30,000 coronavirus tests have been carried out

But Queensland Teachers' Union president Kevin Bates has called on the State Government to close schools by mid-week, saying he cannot rule out strike action if negotiations fail.

Mr Bates said the safety of teaching staff was being put at risk.

"Governments are talking about shutting down all of the businesses apart from essential services, and yet there's still talk about schools remaining open. Those two things are contradictory," Mr Bates said.

A total of 319 cases have now been recorded across Queensland.

I agree with the union. Our Premier is looking foolish keeping schools open but telling kids they can not go to the beach for a swim on the holidays.