Visitors and residents alike to Noosa are being asked to be extra cautious and help stop the spread of COVID with just the Noosa Council region recording more than 1300 COVID cases since Christmas.
Whilst people may not be infected, the ripple effect of COVID is being felt throughout the region with staff shortages during this peak tourism period due to people becoming infected or having to isolate or wait for test results.
Noosa Council is desperately asking people to help slow the spread with Mayor Clare Stewart stating that there were a few simple things we all can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones during this challenging time.
“Just as we’ve done many times during this pandemic, wear a mask if you head out, and avoid crowded places wherever you can,” Mayor Stewart said.
“Work from home if you’re able to and check-in on vulnerable relatives or neighbours to see if they need any essential supplies so that they can stay at home.”
People are also being reminded to have their second vaccination or to book in for their booster at a local vaccination site, which include pharmacies, GPs, the Respiratory Clinic in Tewantin and the Queensland Health clinic at Noosa Leisure Centre.
To find more details, including booking links, please visit the Vaccine Clinic Finder at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
“We know rapid antigen tests are still hard to find, but our local testing facilities are back up and running, including the drive-through clinic at the Weyba Rd AFL grounds and the pop-up clinic in Hastings St.”
“We’re also sourcing rapid antigen tests for businesses to help them quickly get on top of outbreaks and reduce staffing impacts as we know many businesses are struggling to open.
“Our own council facilities are facing similar issues, with recent closures at Noosa Aquatic Centre and Noosa Regional Gallery.
“If you have concerns about your own health or the health of a loved one, please take this into consideration when thinking about visiting one of our facilities as COVID is widely circulating in our community with confirmed cases at most of our facilities.
“We’re doing our best to ensure contingency plans are in place, and I encourage residents to make use of our online services wherever possible.”
Mayor Stewart encouraged residents to stay calm in the face of growing case numbers.
“It’s natural to be worried, but our vaccination rate in Noosa is above 95 per cent and the health experts reassure us that for the majority of vaccinated people who contract the virus, the symptoms will be mild and typically only last a few days.”