Coronavirus

LATEST NEWS

Click here to access the latest Cook Shire and Cape York coronavirus updates. The latest news page is updated as new information and advice becomes available, so please check regularly.

COOK, WUJAL WUJAL AND HOPE VALE SHIRE ENTRY PERMIT

28 March 2020

New Commonwealth legislation to protect the Cape from coronavirus came into force at midnight on 26 March 2020.

This has changed the way in which councils in Northern Queensland are involved in the protection of the public. The State Government is now controlling the entry process to Cook Shire and other designated areas on Cape York. The categories for eligibility for entry are contained in this legislation.

Please be aware that if you are not conducting an essential activity, as listed in the legislation, you will need to demonstrate you:

• Have been isolated from the general public for 14 days before entry into the Shire;
• Have not shown signs and symptoms of coronavirus; and
• Have not been exposed to the virus or to someone with symptoms of coronavirus.

The Queensland Police are responsible for strictly assessing eligibility for entry based on the criteria contained in the legislation.  Police will be stationed at the Mount Carbine Control Point on the Mulligan Highway, as well as airports and sea ports. An Application Form is no longer necessary for entry to Cook Shire. An entry permit is required for entry to Wujal Wujal Shire. Click here for more information.

For further information, call the Queensland Government Helpline on 13 74 68.

Now that this process is being managed by the State Government under the laws of the Commonwealth, Cook Shire must in turn follow these laws. Council appreciates that circumstances are changing rapidly and we will continue to provide information as advice changes.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that affects everyone differently.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus are similar to a common cold or flu. People of all ages can be affected by the novel coronavirus. However, elderly people, and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease can become very ill.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Novel coronavirus is usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes on another person, or from touching dirty surfaces. To protect yourself practice good hygiene including:

• cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs;
• covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or into your elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• avoiding contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness, and shortness of breath; and
• staying home if you are unwell.

• Click here for more information on how you can protect yourself and those around you from the spread of coronavirus.

WHAT IF I FEEL UNWELL?

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to a common cold or flu and include temperatures, a cough, sore throat, tiredness and shortness of breath. Anyone with these symptoms who has travelled internationally 14 days prior to illness onset, including airport stopovers, should see a doctor immediately. Before your appointment, please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and recent travel so necessary precautions can be undertaken. People with suspected novel coronavirus will be tested with a simple swab test, and results will be available within days. Remember if you are required to self-quarantine, contact your employer as soon as possible to discuss your leave options.

• Click here for more information on what to do if you think you have the novel coronavirus.

SELF-QUARANTINE

If you have been overseas, you will be required to quarantine in a designated place for 14 days from the date you arrived in Australia. If you have been overseas in the last 14 days and are feeling unwell, call your health clinic, hospital or doctor immediately. You must self-quarantine if you have been in close contact with someone who already has novel coronavirus. While you’re self-quarantining, if you start to feel unwell and develop symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, call your health clinic, hospital or doctor immediately.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Federal Government assistance

Access the Federal Government’s website to see the latest COVID-19 news, updates and advice from Government. For up to date business support information, visit the Federal Government's Business Australia website.

State Government assistance

Access the State Government's Business Queensland website for up to date business support information.

Buy Local campaign

Council has also launched a Buy Local campaign to encourage residents to support their local businesses and keep money circulating in our region wherever possible. Visit our Buy Local page for more information on how you can support a local business, or if you are a local business and would like Council to advertise your services.

THINK BEFORE YOU FLUSH

Do not flush toilet paper alternatives such as paper towels, baby wipes, wet wipes, fabric, serviettes and tissues down your toilet.  Even if labelled as flushable, these items do not break down like toilet paper and can cause blockages in your home plumbing or the sewer network. 

ALWAYS PHONE FIRST!

If you feel unwell and think you may have novel coronavirus, remember to ALWAYS phone your nearest health clinic, hospital or doctor, rather than going in person. Presenting to the health service in person could put staff and other patients at risk of infection if you have coronavirus or another illness.

RESOURCES

Click here to view Queensland Health's novel coronavirus resources, including posters for your business or home. 

IMPORTANT CONTACTS