UPDATE 7 - COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS)

This last week has seen the introduction of further government directives to combat the spread of COVID-19. Not only has our way of life changed, our social fabric has been altered in an effort to keep our community members safe. To date, these directives are working, with only one confirmed, and now cleared case of COVID-19 in the South Burnett region. I thank each and every one of you for following the Australian Government directives and your assistance to help ‘flatten the curve’.

The South Burnett Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) remains at ‘Stand Up’ status and continues to meet regularly to not only ensure that Queensland Health are provided support, but that the continuity of services to our community at a local level remain consistant. The focus of the LDMG remains on looking after the vulnerable members of our community and to lessen the impact on our society as much as possible over the coming months.

The Human & Social and Economic Sub Group of the LDMG continues to coordinate support to the region. The group is liaising with local service providers, business, industry, and support groups to obtain an understanding of what assistance is available and what short and long term requirements will need to be addressed. It is absolutely critical that we engage with our local support groups and industry to ensure that the community, as a whole, remains informed, is given assistance when required and remains positive and calm.

The sub-group is collating a comprehensive Re-supply Plan for the entire South Burnett region to assist with future service delivery if required. The Plan, divided into individual towns,  provides a synopsis of services and suppliers for items such as groceries, medical supplies, take away outlets and contractors. 

Key messages for our community include:

• Health Recommendations - Community members are reminded to follow hygiene and social distancing recommendations; Correct handwashing practices; Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and others - but stay connected; Avoiding handshakes; Considering whether outings or travel are necessary.

• Health Direction - Queensland Health have issued a home confinement Direction which applies to all residents of Queensland. All people must stay in their homes except for:
  • shopping for essentials - food and necessary supplies;
  • medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;
  • exercise with no more than one other person (unless from your household);
  • providing care or assistance to an immediate family member;
  • work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
  • For further information see the Qld Health website 

• Essential services – Essential services continue across all government agencies in the South Burnett.

• Hospital Visitations – Local hospitals are introducing visitor restrictions to ensure the safety of patients. Please contact your local hospital in the first instance to ascertain what visiting hours are avalable.

• Assistance - For further information, assistance and important links I encourage you to stay in touch with Council’s website at www.southburnett.qld.gov.au. This information will be updated as information is released.

• Local Support - For those that can, please support your local businesses. It cannot be stressed enough just how important it is to support our local businesses where we can, either by purchasing takeaways, buying your meat from the local butcher, purchasing your fruit and vegetables from our small businesses, these businesses are doing it tough not just physically but mentally.

• Last one is how can you help! Remember to pick up the phone and check on your family, friends and neighbours during this time of crises. Qld Health have introduced a ‘self-quarantine assistance card’ so you can help those around you. Whether it’s picking up milk for a friend or buying a few extra groceries for your elderly neighbour, these cards might be a lifeline for someone in need, to download this card visit the Qld Health website  Another great way for people who want to help is to register their interest in volunteering to support the COVID 19 response. Please visit the Volunteering Queensland website to register. You will be contacted by Volunteering Queensland if your assistance is required.

In closing, I once again thank our community for the support that has been provided and will continue to be provided over the coming months.