By Abbey Cannan
Noosa’s tourism operators have been dealt another devastating blow with a snap lockdown during the school holidays.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart urged the community to stay calm and follow the latest COVID restrictions in place for Noosa and the south-east.
“Our community has done a tremendous job during COVID and this latest three day lockdown is another wake up call for all of us,” she said.
“It’s important we remain cautious and follow the Queensland Health directives.
“This means only leave home for four reasons which are available on the Queensland Health website and if you do need to leave home then please wear a mask and adhere to all other Covid safe measures.“
Cr Stewart acknowledged the three-day lockdown during school holidays was potentially the worst-case scenario for the local tourist industry.
“These are uncertain times for all of us and our tourism businesses are the first to bear the brunt of this evolving COVID situation, however we need to unite and support each other and that includes buying local where we can,” she said.
Cr Stewart called on the State and Federal Governments to provide additional support to all businesses in the wake of the latest lockdown.
“Our operators are under pressure both financially and emotionally and the lockdown will again shatter the confidence of many business owners,” Cr Stewart said.
“I understand the reasons for the decisive action from the Premier and it’s important we take this seriously,” she said.
“If you feel unwell or have any symptoms, please get tested.
“Testing is absolutely essential to ensure that all positive cases are captured as early as possible. So please check the list of exposure sites and follow Qld Health directions.“
Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said they are asking all visitors to Noosa to abide by the requirement and either stay in a lock down state in their current accommodations or return immediately home.
“This news is a devastating blow to our industry, and incredibly bad timing considering it is the school holidays, but we are at a critical point in this COVID outbreak, and we all need to follow the health advice,“ Ms Anderson said.
“Ideally, if anyone is feeling sick, I urge you to get tested and help prevent a full blown outbreak – which would be a tragic turn of events for our industry.
“For our industry operators, please ensure that you refer to the Queensland Government Health website for advice, and Tourism Noosa will continue to send updates as soon as we know anything.
“In the meantime, for the next three days, take a break from cooking and lining up at the shopping centre and consider supporting our local restaurants and cafes and grab some take away food.
“Our food and beverage industry will no doubt appreciate your support.
“Whilst Noosa won’t be inviting visitors to our region for the next couple of days, we are all very hopeful that the pre-emptive action by the government will pay dividends and we will be back to ‘COVID normal’ as soon as possible.“
The lockdown began 6pm Tuesday and continues until 6pm Friday 2 July, following the discovery of additional cases of community transfer in Queensland.
Noosa residents can only leave home for one of these four reasons:
1. To buy essentials such as groceries or medications
2. Work or study if you can’t do either from home
3. Exercise in your local area
4. Healthcare or to provide help, care or support
Masks are required whenever you leave home.
A number of free COVID-19 testing clinics are open across Noosa.Sullivan & Nicolaides offers covid testing at a number of clinics across Noosa.
4Cyte operates a Walk-In clinic for covid testing at their 22 Doonella Street Tewantin clinic. To know other sites, visit Queensland Health’s website.
COVID-19 vaccinations have commenced in Noosa. Find out if you are eligible for the vaccine and how to book a vaccine at www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au
As the situation can change rapidly, make sure to stay updated via www.covid19.qld.gov.au
