Queenslanders told to call out people flouting social distancing
Queenslanders have been told to call out those who flout social distancing rules, as complacency emergsesas the state’s greatest threat in the desperate fight against COVID-19
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ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has issued a rallying cry for Queenslanders to call out those who flout social distancing rules, with complacency emerges as the state’s greatest risk in the desperate fight against COVID-19.
In her strongest call to arms yet, Ms Palaszczuk urged Queenslanders to take a stand against COVID-19 rule breakers for the greater good and to avoid the fate of Victoria, where cases have spiralled out of control.
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The Premier revealed she is not shy in reminding people to do the right thing and urged everyone to do the same, insisting complacency was the state’s enemy.
“If you see someone not doing the right thing, call them out, I do,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This is a very serious situation and of course over the weekend I want Queenslanders to really think about social distancing … keep up the good hand hygiene, it is absolutely important.
“If you are going into a crowded venue, you need to make sure you social distance or you leave if you do not think that social distancing is being adhered to.”
She insisted now was not the time for complacency, saying “complacency is our enemy”.
The Courier-Mail has witnessed first-hand people flouting the strict rules, with people yesterday captured walking in close quarters and sitting together around southeast Queensland.
Health authorities have urged everyone to respect the necessary 1.5m distance between people.
“It’s one of our most effective measures in preventing community transmission of COVID-19,” a spokesman said. “The risk of infection is especially high when people have had face-to-face contact with a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes over the course of a week.
“We understand it is not always possible to stay at least 1.5m away from other people, particularly in public, which is why we also urge people to regularly wash their hands and to avoid contact with others if they feel unwell.
“If you’re in a crowded place, we advise that you move to a less populated area where you can stay an appropriate distance from people.”
Social demographer David Chalke said some might think it was likely to spark aggression if they tell a stranger to respect the 1.5m distance rule, but it was their duty.
“In this time of extreme risk then the threat to life is more important than allowing people to be defiant or exert their individualism,” he said.
“There was an overwhelming spirit of everyone working towards the common cause during the world wars and that is what is needed in this pandemic.”
Schools teachers and staff have also been reminded to maintain physical distancing and hygiene amid the new cases of COVID-19.
Department of Education Acting Director-General Peter Kelly yesterday wrote to Queensland school staff reiterating the health advice and acknowledging the efforts from staff so far.
“The department will continue to follow Queensland Government guidelines including the safe return to the workplace,” the letter said.
“To keep our students, staff, families and community safe there are a number of things we will need to continue doing.”
The letter included the contract tracing warning that anyone who has been present at any of the locations and relevant times confirmed by Queensland health must self isolate immediately and contact 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).
“Maintaining the required hygiene and physical distancing measures in place in your schools, offices and other workplaces. These are our most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you or any members of your household have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please do not attend your workplace or any public place – call your doctor or 13 HEALTH.”
Ms Palaszczuk said having travelled to the Sunshine Coast, Proserpine, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg recently, it was great to see Queenslanders keeping up their social distancing.
“Every person has a role to play to keep people safe and if you see someone not doing it, please remind them how important it is,” she said.
“It’s also really important to keep up the hand hygiene and if you are sick, please get tested.”