Queensland Covid confusion hurting more than disease: Opinion

Covid confusion is damaging our chance of re-building our community, says Rae Wilson. By what authority will the Premier’s new rules be enforced?

Business uncertainty surrounding pending Covid rules is heightened right around the state.

But nearly every conversation I am having in Mackay right now moves around to what will happen when these new rules come in from December 17.

Only double-vaxxed customers, clients and many service providers will be able to visit hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes, theatres, cinemas, sport stadiums, festivals and weddings. The list goes on.

Mackay Daily Mercury Editor Rae Wilson. Picture: Heidi Petith

By what authority will they be enforced?

The hospital has at least half a dozen entry points – how is every one policed?

Are council staff expected to kick people out of public libraries?

Are teenage hospitality workers supposed to refuse someone entry to a bar or restaurant if they are not tested?

Corner of Wood and Victoria Street in Mackay CBD. Picture: Tony Martin

There are fears for the safety of staff enforcing the governmente mandate.

The Premier needs to provide some clarity around who plays what role. And what is the punishment if the mandate is not followed? Who enforces that?

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks during question time at Queensland Parliament. Picture: Sarah Marshall

Herd immunity is about protecting our most vulnerable and when the borders do open, we need enough people vaccinated that our hospital system can cope with any Covid overload.

While I would hope we don’t end up with riots in our streets and communities turning on each other, I do worry about the division these new rules will create.

Transparency and clarity is what we need from our leaders if we are to unite as a state and as a country.

We must unite if we are to ensure our economy recovers from this pandemic and our businesses can do what they do best – serve their customers.

Originally published as Queensland Covid confusion hurting more than disease: Opinion