August 31, 2020
COVID-19 restrictions introduced on Monday will not see the Cherbourg community go into lockdown again, but visitors from pandemic hot spots are not being encouraged.
Mayor Elvie Sandow told Cherbourg Radio on Monday the new rules would affect the community the same as everywhere else in the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service district.
Indoor and outdoor gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 10 people – the same as Brisbane or Kingaroy.
However, residents living at the Ny-Ku-Byun Hostel for the Aged will be put into full lockdown until restrictions ease. This was for their own protection and the restrictions were the same as every other aged care facility in the region.
Mayor Sandow said she wanted to make it clear to the community the harsher COVID-19 rules were not being created by the Council.
“They come from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young,” the Mayor said.
Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala said events with COVID Safe plans may still be able to be held, but maintaining social distancing was important and the use of masks was encouraged.
As for the future, the community would need to wait and see what develops.
“We are taking things day by day – it’s a very fluid situation at the moment,” the CEO said.
Mayor Sandow said the community should stay up-to-date with restrictions through Queensland Health’s website, Council’s website and Facebook page, and Cherbourg Radio.
“If people are thinking about travelling from a COVID hot spot to Cherbourg, we’d ask them not to come,” the Mayor said.
“We’d also encourage residents not to travel to hotspots.
“But if it’s unavoidable – say, for a medical appointment – we ask them to maintain proper social distancing and perhaps wear a mask.
“Our main concern is we just want to keep the community safe.”
The Cherbourg Mayor and CEO have been very wise in their comments.