Our Shire is COVID-19 free, let’s keep it that way!
The Balonne Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is urging residents to cancel any Easter travel plans and not invite family into the shire for the four-day break in line with the Queensland Premier’s messaging.
LDMG Local Disaster Coordinator Matthew Magin said there were no confirmed cases in the region and the group wanted to keep it that way.
“There have been some concerns raised with the group regarding people travelling into our Shire to visit family for the Easter Weekend,” he said. “The Premier of Queensland has told people ‘not to go on holidays, do not travel unless absolutely necessary’ and that people should ‘stay in their own suburbs’.
“The Balonne LDMG wants to reinforce that message by asking residents to advise their families against travelling unless it is absolutely necessary.
“We have a large number of people who are vulnerable to novel coronavirus in our communities and we want our community to help protect them by encouraging their families not to visit the shire and cancel their travel plans.”
Mr Magin understood these were difficult times for families.
“Being isolated from your family is stressful, but the Queensland Premier is asking people to switch to a phone call, video call or email rather than visiting family members face to face to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
“The LDMG supports the Premier in that stance and urges all residents to remain in their primary place of residence over the break.
“If we all work together to help contain the spread of this pandemic we will get through this. It is hard, but it needs to be done.”
Queensland Health also advised the group of new restrictions to visits to hospitals.
To protect the most vulnerable people the following visitor restrictions are now in place. Each patient may have one visit per day for up to two hours, no more than two people per visit.
You may not visit a hospital if you:
- have been asked to self-quarantine due to travel overseas or interstate or close contact with a person who has novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the previous 14 days.
- Are unwell in any way, particularly with a fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
- Are under the age of 16 (unless as a patient)
One person may remain with a patient at all times when needed for the following:
- Carers for children under the age of 18
- Carers for people with a disability
- Partner or support person when the patient is admitted for care related to the pregnancy
- Support person for emergency department or outpatient care appointments
Additional exemptions may be granted for end-of-life support. Please discuss with the patient’s treating team.
Visit our Coronavirus page for links to all the latest information