Coronavirus Gold Coast: City’s ‘critical’ 72 hours

Gold Coasters have been warned the next 72 hours will be critical in the fight to stop coronavirus spreading in the city.

THE Easter weekend will be “critical” in determining the next round of COVID-19 restrictions, Mayor Tom Tate says.

Cr Tate, speaking at the Evandale chamber this morning, gave his Easter message to the city and warned day Trippers and holiday makers to stay away from the city.

“To all Gold Coasters have a safe and happy Easter remember, stay home and stay local,” he said.

“To out of towners, have a happy Easter and stay out of the Gold Coast.

“Getting in a car and driving to the beach to exercise is not essential travel.”

People walk past the closed beach at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

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The mayor said the behaviour of locals and their willingness to follow social distancing measures put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic would be under the microscope.

“I will review our position after the Easter break,” he said.

“This weekend will be a major test for southeast Queenslanders as to whether they take COVID-19 seriously.

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“Take it seriously because there will be more precautions that the Premier and Prime Minister will have to activate because this disease is contagious and it kills people and we do not want it here.

“It will be a good test and I will be getting feedback to see if social distancing is happening and, if it is not, I will activate other beach closures.”