More campsites close to contain Inskip gastro spread

Camper numbers will be capped and two more camping areas will be shut down next week, after Sarawak and Sarawak West were closed last month following a large and lethal gastro outbreak among visitors to the stunning spot.

To contain the spread of gastroenteritis, rolling closures of camping areas at Inskip Point will continue as the Department of Environment and Science prioritises the health and welfare of campers.

MV Beagle and MV Natone camping areas will close from Friday, December 3 until Friday, December 17, 2021, and SS Dorrigo camping area will close from Friday, December 17 until Friday, December 24.

Camper numbers will also be capped to existing bookings only in the remaining camping areas up until Friday, December 24, 2021.

Sarawak and Sarawak West camping areas, which were closed on November 19, are scheduled to reopen on Friday, 3 December 2021.

Reducing camper numbers, temporarily closing camping areas is part of the ongoing strategy to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.

An interdepartmental Taskforce consisting of representatives from DES, Queensland Health and Gympie Shire council meet daily to review the situation and mitigate the spread of gastroenteritis at the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.

Facilities at Inskip Point are being cleaned twice each day as per Queensland Health guidelines.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers continue to conduct daily patrols at Inskip Point camping areas to monitor the mitigation measures.

Rangers also provide advice about the need for good personal hygiene to help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.

This includes thoroughly washing hands with soap and running water after using bathroom facilities and before preparing food.

People preparing to camp at Inskip Point are reminded to pack plenty of soap and fresh water in their camping kit.

QPWS apologises for any inconvenience, but the health and safety of people in our camping areas is our number one priority.

FIVE STAR BEACH CAMPING: Inskip Point for a great camping destination in your own backyard. Photo Tanya Easterby / The Gympie Times

People who want to change their booking to another camping area at Inskip Point or modify their existing booking have until 12pm on Monday 29 November 2021. Bookings can also be cancelled, with a full refund.

It is important for campers to:

 Maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water particularly after toilet visits and before preparing food or eating.
• Bring your own water supply, soap, and if possible, bring your own portable toilet
• Ensure every camper has their own personal towel for hand drying
• Maintain safe physical distancing
• Make sure you always carry a face mask and wear it if you can’t maintain social distancing measures

Video and audio of Senior Ranger Col Lawton can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zldq3jubcgtyq4x/AABaYsDY-S38FlYtywcH_5Iha?dl=0

Originally published as More campsites close to contain Inskip gastro spread