Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Keri Tamwoy has urged people in her community to limit their movements to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 as case numbers increase in Aurukun.
“I have been advised that we now have 10 active COVID-19 cases and two people who have recovered in Aurukun making me concerned about the risk to vulnerable people in our remote Indigenous community,” Mayor Tamwoy said.
“In response to a request by the Aurukun Local Disaster Management Group, the Chief Health Officer has advised that Aurukun is not able to have a lockdown or lockout to prevent the virus from spreading.
“With the Queensland Government focus on suppression rather than elimination, the Aurukun Local Disaster Management Group strongly recommends all agencies, businesses and residents avoid non-essential travel into and around the community.
“Do not visit family and friends, do not have visitors in your home, and ask people who are not registered residents at your address to leave. This is not the time to be having parties and I am very disappointed to learn that people are gathering to gamble and drink.
“The supermarket is limiting the number of people inside to help prevent transmission of the virus. I ask people to be patient as they wait their turn and not to behave in the aggressive manner we experienced today.”
Aurukun Shire Council and the Aurukun Local Disaster Management Group ask the community, agencies and businesses to take the following precautions:
- Staff to work from home where practical.
- Residents and agencies avoid large gatherings and community consultations.
- Use the Check-in Qld app.
- Wear a mask:
- in public
- if you can’t socially distance
- when it is mandatory to wear a mask.
- Use hand sanitiser regularly and wash your hands often with soap or sanitiser.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Get tested if you have even mild COVID-19 symptoms, then go home and stay home.
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine – including your booster dose when it’s time.
- Put in place a COVID-19 Readiness Plan to ensure you can isolate for seven days.
- Seek further information or guidance from your Council if you are planning events within Aurukun Shire Council Local Government Area.