The Port Douglas Markets, a local institution, has been cancelled until further notice, as part of a number of precautionary measures the Douglas Shire Council has implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

The Mossman Nursery is also closed while Douglas libraries and the Mossman Pool will close from 5:00pm Wednesday.

The Mossman Markets, which are organised by the Anglican Church, have said at this stage they expect the market to go ahead this Saturday at a reduced scale, but further decisions will be made in the coming days.

Douglas Shire Council has also announced several other measures, including changes to its customer service centres, in line with expert health advice and social distancing restrictions announced by the Federal Government.

Council has plans in place to ensure the continued supply of critical services such as water, wastewater and waste collection and disposal.

Customer service at the Port Douglas Community Hall has been closed until further notice while the Mossman Administration customer service will remain open for essential services; however, Council is encouraging minimal face-to-face contact.

Council has also said it has extended borrowing limits at its libraries to 40 items for eight weeks to help residents keep entertained through any COVID-19 isolation and residents have until closing today to borrow items and can return them through the after-hours return chute.

Council is also looking at ways to continue lending items without face-to-face contact.

The Bloomfield Track is closed at Emmagen Creek, north of Cape Tribulation, until further notice as part of the State Government’s travel restrictions to Cape York to protect vulnerable isolated communities.

Police have also been stationed at access points, including the Mulligan Highway near Mount Carbine and Lakeland, to restrict all non-essential travel to the Cape York and Torres Strait.

Anyone who may have symptoms is urged to avoid public areas and practice social distancing to save lives.