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 7 May 2020

Cook Shire is a Designated Biosecurity Area, with strict entry restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Remote Communities) Determination 2020, persons are prohibited from entering a Designated Biosecurity Area unless certain conditions apply. All individuals will be screened at vehicle check points and airports prior to entering the declared area.

The legislation can be found here, and Amendment (No. 2) here. 

There are three categories of entry:

1. Returning Residents - A person who meets the entry criteria AND who has been isolated from the public (self isolated in an approved facility) for 14 days prior to entry;
2. Essential Activity - A person who meets the entry criteria AND who is engaging in or providing an essential activity; and
3. Exemption - A person meets the exemption criteria AND has the permission from a Local Disaster Management Group Chair under advice from the Human Biosecurity Officer.

HOW TO ENTER

Returning residents must complete the following steps:

1. Complete SI-001 Request for Entry to An Approved Facility form and return to the Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group via email;
2. If the request is approved, complete 14 days isolation at the designated hotel;
3. At the conclusion of the self-isolation period, Queensland Health initiates health screening and a Certificate of Self-Isolation is issued;
4. A sterile corridor is agreed for the approved individual to travel to airport or vehicle control point and enter Cook Shire and the resident must complete the Returning Resident Transport Plan; and
5. Provide individual proof of identity, completed SI-001 form, Returning Resident Transport Plan and Certificate of Self Isolation to the control point.

Essential activity must complete the following steps and take the documents with them to the control point:

1. Complete the Travelling to or through remote communities Essential Service entry pass via the website;
2. Download and complete the Generic Biosecurity Plan/Risk Management Plan and adopt the principles contained within; 
3. Provide proof of how you meet the essential activity category under the legislation, such as letter of employment, contract or work order for essential activities; and
4. Provide individual proof of identity.

Exemption category applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Complete SI-004 Application for Exemption form and return to the Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group via email.
2. If approved, the applicant will be asked to complete the Travelling to or through remote communities Exemption entry pass via the website.
3. Provide individual proof of identity, completed SI-004 form and online border pass to the control point.

For further information, see the Home Confinement Frequently Asked Questions, call the Queensland Government Helpline on 13 74 68 or email covid19@cook.qld.gov.au

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.

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