Cairns in snap lockdown: What does this mean for Douglas Shire?
COVID-19 update
Douglas residents are being advised to avoid Cairns other than for essential services as listed by Queensland Health.
This follows a decision by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning that Cairns and the Indigenous community in Yarrabah have been put into lockdown after an unexpected case has thrown contact tracers.
Addressing media, she said she “was very concerned” after a taxi driver was infectious in the community for 10 days and said more testing had to be done.
The lockdown will begin from 4pm today and last for three days. However residents will be able to have two visitors into their homes.
“It is essentially a lockdown that the 11 LGAs went to, but they will be allowed to have up to two visitors to come and visit their homes,” she said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said in a statement to Newsport that Cairns will be in lock down so there will be no need to go to Cairns other than the essential services as listed on QLD health.
“I would ask all Douglas residents to use common sense and avoid Cairns for the next three days. If you have been to Cairns and have symptoms, it would make sense to be tested and the wearing of masks is another serious consideration.
“There will be more information coming out this afternoon once authorities have processed the information they have at hand.
“If you have any reason to believe you may have been in contact, get tested. If you have any signs and symptoms, get tested. A couple of days of inconvenience can help stop extended lockdowns,” said Kerr.
To book a Mossman Covid test please call the booking hotline on 1800 861 863 or book online at www.health.qld.gov.au
To find your nearest testing clinic, visit //www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said people in Cairns and Yarrabah must adhere to the lockdown requirements and wear masks.
“Masks are one of the many tools we have to help limit the spread of the virus,” the Minister said. “We’ve seen in SEQ that lockdowns and masks can work.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said Queensland Health would continue to contact trace, and testing was vital.
“We’ll be ramping up testing capacity and even you have the mildest of symptoms, it’s important to get tested,” Dr Young said.
“And remember to check the Queensland Health website for updates to possible exposure sites. “If you are out and about today, please start making your way home as soon as possible,” she said.
Tests are being done at Mossman Hospital and the COVID test number is: 0459 803 382
To find your nearest testing clinic, visit //www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing
LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS
From 4pm Sunday, August 8 to 4pm Wednesday August 11, 2021, people in Cairns and Yarrabah LGAs will be required to stay home except for certain reasons.
During the lockdown period, you can only leave your residence (which includes temporary accommodation such as a holiday rental) for limited permitted purposes such as:
obtaining essential goods or services within 10km, including healthcare
exercising in your 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
MASKS
You must wear a face mask at all times when you leave home, including outdoors and for exercise, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, such as:
shopping centres and supermarkets
hospitals and aged care facilities, if permitted to visit
indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport, and
airports and travelling on planes.