Queensland doctors fear for safety of voters at weekend council elections

Queensland doctors are worried about the safety of voters at this weekend’s council elections and are calling for special coronavirus measures for some residents.

Queensland doctors are worried about the safety of voters in this weekend’s local Government election and are calling special coronavirus measures, including fast track lanes for the elderly.

Australian Medical Association Queensland President Dr Dilip Dhupelia said it was disappointing the deadline for registering for postal voting had not been extended given the unprecedented circumstances.

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“Given this weekend’s elections are to go ahead despite the pandemic protocols outlined by the Prime Minister and the growing fear in the community, we are calling for special measures at polling booths,” Dr Dhupelia said.

Voters at City Hall in Brisbane, where social distancing measures are in place. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“It is critical that people who are sick do not attend polling booths. If you are unwell or in isolation, it’s important to stay at home for the full duration of the 14-day quarantine period, even if you have tested negative for COVID-19.

“We are urging Government to waive all fines for anyone not voting for legitimate reasons to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 and to ensure no further financial hardship occurs during these unprecedented times, “ he said.

Dr Dhupelia said there should be no hand-shaking by candidates at polling booths and no handing out how-to-vote cards. Everyone should bring their own pen.

“We are also urging voters to avoid taking their children to polling booths where possible,” he said.

“Consider taking turns with your partner or a friend in going to vote so one of you can stay home with the kids.”

Dr Dhupelia said while it was important for people to exercise their democratic right to vote, it also was critical to adhere to social distancing rules.

“That means staying at last 1.5 metres away from other people and we are recommending that those who have face masks to wear them when they are at the polling stations,” he said.

AMAQ President Dr Dilip Dhupelia stressed the need for good hand hygiene at polling booths. Picture: Liam Kidson

“We urge people to get in and out as fast as possible and, to assist the elderly with this, we are calling for separate fast track lanes to ensure they are at the polling booths for the least amount of time as possible. Everyone should be sure to sanitise their hands when leaving the polling booth as well as when they return home,” he said.

Dr Dhupelia said how-to-vote cards should be on posters on walls at polling booths rather than handed to people.

“We also expect volunteers to adhere to social distancing rules and to follow hand hygiene rules,” he said.

“It’s very important that there’s plenty of sanitiser available for voters at entry and exit points and that polling booths at schools are thoroughly sanitised and disinfected before students and teachers return on Monday,” the state’s top doctor said.