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 SHIRE ENTRY protocol

UPDATED 3 July 2020

Cook Shire travel restrictions to lift from midday 3 July

Following intense lobbying by the Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc and the Cook Local Disaster Management Group, the Chief Health Officer and the Premier have announced that Cook Shire will be open to visitation by all Queenslanders from midday Friday 3 July. Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and Torres Shire will keep their borders closed until midday 10 July. Please note, travellers will not be able to access the Tip of Cape York until after 10 July as non-residents are unable to cross the Jardine River ferry and enter the Northern Peninsula Area.

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 or the Trade and Investment 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.

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