Caution Urged as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease

Although some home confinement restrictions are being eased from midnight, Friday 1 May, North Burnett residents must continue to comply with the social distancing requirements and other national public health directions ahead of the Labour Day long weekend, this weekend.

In response to the Chief Health Officer’s most recent public health directive, Council will begin re-opening boat ramps and public seating from Saturday, 2 May 2020.

It is important to note that public amenities, playgrounds, barbecues, skate parks, exercise equipment etc. must remain closed as Queensland Health has advised that it is difficult to maintain compliance with social distancing rules and satisfactory hygiene measures at these facilities.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Rachel Chambers reminded the community that all other rules relating to social distancing and limits on visitors remain in place during this time.

“Now is not the time to undo all the great work that we have done prior to these restrictions being lifted,” Mayor Chambers said.

“It’s great that we’re able to re-open some facilities however, we must continue to practice social distancing and keep our personal hygiene levels high for the safety of our community,” Mayor Chambers said.

The North Burnett remains COVID-19 free and we do not want to see this compromised by travellers being tempted to abuse the 50km radius travel rule to spend a day on the water at Paradise or Cania Dam or to visit family and friends.

If there is evidence of non-compliance emerging over the weekend or beyond, Council will move quickly to reassess whether facilities should remain open.

The Queensland Police Service will continue to be monitoring closely how people are complying with the national public health directions and those who are not doing the right thing face the very real risk of a $1334 fine.

Mayor Chambers encourages residents to download the COVIDSafe App from their app store and to also encourage friends and relatives to be mindful of the conditions of the eased restrictions, especially if they are considering non-essential travel into the North Burnett.

The State Government has applied three conditions to the eased restrictions:

• social distancing and hygiene must be maintained;
• you have to stay within 50km of home; and
• outings are limited to members of the same household or an individual and one friend.

For information about other council facilities and services during this time, visit council’s website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/covid-19.

Council is committed to supporting Queensland Health as the lead agency responsible for responding to COVID-19 and will ensure our community is kept informed.  Queensland Health is encouraging anyone who is suffering from any flu like systems to phone your GP or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to seek a COVID-19 test.

If you would like further information on any imposed restrictions, please call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or find up-to-date reliable information on the Queensland Government website www.covid-19.qld.gov.au.