Seniors get the all-clear to reconnect with family

Older Mackay residents can now leave their homes following the latest COVID-19 health advice

Bree Sehmish, 12, with her Nanny Mary Dolan. Picture: Heidi Petith

OLDER Mackay residents can now leave their homes to reconnect with family, friends and their communities following the latest COVID-19 health advice.

Mary Dolan, who has six grandchildren, said it had been hard staying away.

More stories:

Mackay ‘fugitive’ now stuck in Tasmania

How social media reunited couple with precious memories

Mackay act of kindness makes big impact on veterans

She was able to gather with her family yesterday, the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

“The last couple of weeks, I have only seen my daughters,” Mrs Dolan said.

“They have been doing most of our shopping.”

But her husband Bob, who is 85, had not joined them.

Mrs Dolan said he was still hesitant to be around other people after having had a serious bout of influenza A a few years ago.

“It will be so nice to just go back to our normal lives and not worry about breaking the rules and putting other people in danger,” Mrs Dolan said.

Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the coronavirus restrictions had been particularly challenging for older Australians.

Subscriber benefits:

How to make the most of your digital subscription

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

“The Chief Health Officer on Wednesday briefed the Seniors Taskforce and advised that due to the consistently low rates of infection in our state, it is now time for seniors to leave their homes and start going back to the things they enjoy,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We strongly encourage seniors to protect themselves and leave their homes in a careful and considered way.

“For example, visit children and grandchildren who are well in small groups and avoid shopping centres and other public places during peak ­periods when crowds are bigger.”

Mrs O’Rourke said it was also incredibly important seniors got their flu vaccination, followed best-practice hygiene and continued to keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

Originally published as