Fraser Coast residents urged to heed health advice

Fraser Coast residents are being urged to stay calm and stay informed in the wake of a new COVID-19 outbreak in south-east Queensland.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard urged everyone to heed the advice coming from Queensland Health, practice good hygiene and abide by the restrictions put in place to keep us all safe.

“It is important local residents understand that the lockdown rules introduced by the Queensland Government also apply to anyone who has been in any of the 11 affected south-east Queensland areas since 1am Saturday 31 July 2021, even if they are no longer there,” he said.

“Those lockdown rules currently apply until 4pm Sunday 8 August 2021 and mean those affected must stay at home, except for a few reasons such as buying groceries or medication, essential work that can’t be done at home, exercising within 10km of your home and for health care.

“The situation is rapidly evolving again and the Queensland Government’s list of exposure sites is growing every day so it is vital everyone stays informed during this challenging time.”

Mayor George Seymour said Council  was actively monitoring the situation and revisiting contingency plans for maintaining essential services such as water, sewerage and rubbish collection in the event that cases are detected locally and the lockdown extends to the Fraser Coast.

“This is traditionally a busy time for Council’s Customer Service Centres as rates notices have just been issued, but with the evolving situation around COVID-19, we would encourage residents to look at alternative ways of paying their rates rather than in person,” he said.

“Options include paying online -  www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/pay-a-bill -  via BPAY, over the phone, by mail or by setting up a direct debit.”

Cr Seymour encouraged residents to ‘check in’ at venues, get a COVID-19 test if feeling unwell and to get vaccinated when eligible.

“It is heartening that the Wide Bay has some of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in Queensland, and I encourage more local residents to get vaccinated when they are eligible and able,” he said.

“Ensuring more of the community is vaccinated will help pave the way for fewer lockdowns and fewer restrictions in the future. The health and safety of our community is the highest priority and we can all work together to keep each other safe.”