Perseverance will be needed as restrictions are eased, says Mayor

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Lawrence Springborg has said that continued social distancing, good hygiene practices and staying home if unwell, are the best things that residents can do to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19, despite some restrictions being eased.

Cr Springborg spoke to Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young in a telephone briefing for Queensland mayors last week, following the easing of some restrictions and the release of the Queensland Roadmap.

Dr Young said the key message was for Queenslanders to continue their good hygiene and social distancing practices so as not to undo all the good work done so far. In addition, anyone who feels at all unwell should stay at home and get tested for COVID-19.

Dr Young’s advice follows praise from the State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that Queenslanders have done a “terrific” job of flattening the curve, with few confirmed cases of COVID-19 left in Queensland and none reported in the Goondiwindi region.

However, Cr Springborg said that as some restrictions begin to be relaxed, perseverance will be key to preventing a “second wave” from reaching the region.

“Over the next few weeks, we may see the gradual easing of restrictions, but we have to remember the reason they’re in place,” Cr Springborg said. “I’d really ask that people remain vigilant and continue to consider the impact of their actions: stay home if unwell and get tested if you’re showing any symptoms.”

Cr Springborg also said that he had downloaded the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app for contact tracing and encouraged residents to do the same.

“As a State, we’ve really seen the impact that social distancing and good hygiene can have in flattening the curve,” Cr Springborg said. “As a region, those measures have had a positive impact not only in terms of COVID-19, but also in terms of the seasonal flu.

“Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Young confirmed that there have been only nine confirmed cases of the seasonal flu last week - compared to this time last year, we would be expecting 700 cases this week across the State.”