Disaster group welcomes end to lockdown, thanks community
Date published: 2 July 2021
Local Disaster Management Group chairperson Jenny Hill has welcomed today’s announcement that the three-day lockdown of Townsville and Magnetic Island will end at 6pm.
The lockdown was implemented in response to a COVID-positive person from Brisbane spending time in Townsville and Magnetic Island last weekend.
“As we have done in times past, the Townsville community has come together and helped slow the spread of COVID-19,” Cr Hill said.
“And once again we demonstrated the strength of our relationships across industry and community through a collaborative and successful response.”
“Our swift response to locking down for three days and ensuring everyone who needed to be tested could be, means limited inconvenience for business and community. We have been able to keep this lockdown as brief as possible. From 6pm tonight businesses can open their doors and we can open our homes, albeit with some restrictions in place.
“I would like to thank the community and local businesses for their support and cooperation over the past three days. We saw thousands of people attend the community testing sites. This large-scale testing has enabled Queensland Health to determine that there has been no local transmission of COVID-19 locally.”
Cr Hill said it was vital anyone who was experiencing symptoms going forward got tested.
Some restrictions continue to apply to protect the community.
Face masks must be carried at all times when leaving the home, unless there is a lawful reason not to. Masks must be worn in indoor and outdoor spaces, such as:
- shopping centres and supermarkets
- indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
- public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport
- airports and travelling on planes.
Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so. Masks do not need to be worn outside when exercising unless you cannot socially distance.
“This week has been a wake-up call for the residents of Townsville. We have seen how quickly things can turn and cannot afford to be complacent. This incident has demonstrated that COVID-19 remains a very real risk and we must stay on our toes,” Cr Hill said.
“I urge everyone to continue to comply with the face mask mandate and other restrictions, to keep washing their hands and ensure they practice good personal hygiene. Complying with these directions has served us well so far and we need to continue that.”
Following a meeting this afternoon, the status of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has been downgraded to lean forward.
