COVID-19

COVID-19 Information

UPDATED: 19/09/2022, 9:00 AM

Council is closely monitoring the current COVID-19 pandemic and implementing responses in accordance with Federal and Queensland Government guidelines. It is the intent of Council to take appropriate precautions in a reasonable manner to ensure that the potential and actual risks relating to the transmission of the COVID-19 virus are managed effectively, efficiently and transparently.

The North West Hospital and Health Service has aligned all COVID-19 daily reporting with the Queensland Health’s COVID-19 statistics webpage, which can be found at https://bit.ly/covid-19-statistics-qldhealth.

Given widespread transmission of COVID-19, community members are reminded to consider any movement through the Queensland community as a risk for COVID-19 infection. Make sure social distancing is maintained, perform regular hand hygiene, monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you develop any symptoms.

How to Get Tested for COVID-19

Testing for COVID-19 remains an important way to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Knowing if your symptoms are COVID-19 can assist you and others to manage any associated illness appropriately.

You can access two types of tests available in Queensland:

You should use a RAT kit to test yourself for COVID-19 if you have COVID-19 symptoms. You can purchase RAT kits in retail shops and pharmacies. To protect others from COVID-19, only go to a pharmacy or retail store if you are well.

If you don’t have a RAT kit and are unable to get one, you can get a PCR test at a private pathology-operated collection site or a GP respiratory clinic. In Mount Isa, testing is available from Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathology on Camooweal Street. Most private pathology providers require a GP referral and a Medicare card for Medicare to cover the cost of your PCR test. Contact the provider to check whether you need a referral.

Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Everyone in Mount Isa aged 5 and over is now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Bookings can be made through the local booking number - 1800 551 552 - or online here.

You can get vaccinated at the Mount Isa Medical Centre on Camooweal Street, Gidgee Healing's Pioneer Clinic in the Overlander Shopping Centre on Marian Street, the Sonic HealthPlus Mount Isa GP Super Clinic at 2A Ryan Road, or at Mount Isa Pharmacy First (corner of Camooweal Street and Rodeo Drive). Please contact the respective clinics/chemists for further information on how to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Splashez Aquatic Centre

Splashez is open and currently observing the following summer opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 5.30am-7pm (Wednesdays from 5.30pm - closed for club night)
  • Saturdays: 7am-5.30pm
  • Sundays: 9am-5.30pm
  • Public holidays: 10.30am-5.30pm

For more information, please call Splashez on 4743 2137.

Visit the Splashez Facebook page

City Library

The Library is open and observing the following opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9.30am-5.30pm (except for public holidays)
  • Saturdays: 9am-1pm (except for public holidays)

The Library offers a “click-and-collect” service, where patrons are able to reserve books online from the Council’s website and pick them up in person at the Library's customer service area.

Patrons are asked to practise good hand hygiene and use the hand-sanitising products provided at the Library.

For more information, please call the Library on 4747 3350.

Visit the Library's Facebook page

Council Administration Building

The Reception area of Council's Administration building at 23 West Street is open from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can also call them on 4747 3200, or email city@mountisa.qld.gov.au.

Parks

All Council parks (including those with play equipment) are open to the public.

We advise that if visitors would like to use the play equipment at the parks to ensure that they bring hand sanitiser with them for use before and after use.

The two off-leash dog parks - at Edna Medley Park in Sunset, and at Norm Smith Park in Mornington - are also open to the public.

Public Toilets

Council-operated public toilets are open to the public.

The toilet locations include:

  • Within the Miles Street carpark, 34 Miles Street
  • Adjoining the Council Administration Office, 23 West Street
  • Within the Sunset Lawn Cemetery
  • Within Captain James Cook Oval, 30 Twenty-third Avenue
  • Within Sunset Oval, Abel Smith Parade
  • Within the Family Fun Park, Church Street
  • Within Playway Park, Railway Avenue
  • Camooweal Town Hall, Camooweal
  • Moondarra Crossing Park

Waste Management Facility

While the Waste Management Facility is open, the Container Exchange area is closed.

Please refer to the graphics below for further information:

COVID-19 prevention

 

COVID-19 cold-flu difference

 

 

G'day Neighbour

G'day Neighbour resized G'day Neighbour pg 2 resized

 

If you can help any vulnerable members of our community or those with special needs such as elderly neighbours or disabled persons in your street or neighbourhood, Council encourages you to offer assistance, as they may really need it during this time.

Council have produced a calling card template which can be downloaded and printed here which you can write messages on and deliver to the mailbox of your neighbours and people in your community to let them know that you care, and that you can help.

What is a novel coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). However novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

It depends on the virus, but common signs include:

  • fever
  • a cough
  • sore throat
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath

Anyone who has travelled overseas  in the past 14 days, and feels unwell, should see a doctor immediately. Before your appointment, please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and recent travel so they can prepare for your visit.

People with suspected novel coronavirus will be tested.

Feeling unwell with symptoms? Take the COVID-19 Quiz

Queensland Health have developed a short quiz to answer your questions if your symptoms are those of COVID-19.

Take the quiz by clicking here.

What can I do to protect myself?

There are 5 ways we can all help stop the spread of viruses:

  • Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth. And avoid shaking hands.
  • Stay home if you are unwell.
  • Practice social distancing, which includes staying 1.5m away from others as much as you can.

Looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress is important all the time.

Public gatherings

As a precautionary measure to help slow the spread COVID-19, all non-essential organised gatherings should not go ahead.

Non-essential businesses are restricted from opening from midday 23 March 2020, including:

  • pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
  • gyms and indoor sporting venues
  • cinemas, entertainment venues and night clubs
  • restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
  • religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1-person-per-4-square-metre rule applies)
  • auction houses, real estate auctions and open houses
  • personal services (beauty, nail, tanning, waxing and tattoo salons)
  • spa and massage parlours, excluding health-related services such as physiotherapy
  • play centres (indoor and outdoor)
  • galleries, historic sites and museums
  • health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres and swimming pools
  • community facilities such as community halls, libraries and youth centres, RSL and PCYC
  • gaming and gambling venues
  • indoor and outdoor markets (excluding food markets)

All essential day-to-day activities, such as school and work, can proceed as normal.

Anyone who is feeling unwell should not attend public events, and should stay home from work and school.

(source: Queensland Health)

Council is mitigating the adverse impacts of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak, ensuring the continuation of critical services and the health and safety of its residents, employees and broader community.

This page will keep you updated with the latest official information from Queensland Health, the Australian Government and other relevant agencies as planning continues.

For up to date information visit:

Australian Government - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert
Australian Government - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Queensland Government - Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Queensland Health - Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention

The safety of the community, customers and staff is our main priority.

Residents are advised to adhere to the health advice provided by Queensland Health or via the COVIDSafe App (information of app)

Council's Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) will continue to act in the interests of all residents and will remain on high alert regarding this pandemic.

Feeling unwell? If you develop a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, contact a doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction

Council is working with businesses, community groups, local event organisers and tourism operators to assist them following the Australian Government's direction which bans non-essential indoor gatherings and all outdoor gatherings. This information is subject to change so we advise you refer to the links below.

For enquiries about local events, please contact Council directly.

For all further information, please refer to the advice from the relevant state and federal agencies:

Limits on public gathering for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Australian Government - Non-essential gatherings
Australian Government - Essential indoor gatherings
Queensland Government - Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction

Local business requirements

Council is continuing to assist providing up to date information for its local business community to ensure everyone is aware of the new requirements, as we all adapt to the progressive nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Queensland Government - Non-essential Business Closure Direction (No. 4)

For information on COVID-19, please visit the Queensland Health website: www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Queensland Government have an up-to-date list of Frequently Asked Questions?

Yes, the Queensland Government maintains and updates their FAQs every day. Their information sheet answers common questions about COVID-19 including what it is, how it spreads, if you should get tested, who is most and risk and if you should attend public gatherings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a recently identified strain of coronavirus in humans.

Coronaviruses form a large family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses. These include the common cold as well as more serious diseases like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and the more recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As there is no specific treatment for people who are sick with COVID-19, we all need to remain alert to the common symptoms which include:

  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing
  • difficulty breathing, which may develop into pneumonia
  • sore throat
  • fatigue.

How can I keep up-to-date with information and access resources such as posters?

Council is putting out regular information relating to local impacts through this page and social media channels.

Queensland Health also has a range of information, including COVID-19-related posters you can download.

The Australian Government's Department of Health website also has a comprehensive range of reliable information resources including posters for the home and workplace.

For travel advice: www.smartraveller.gov.au

How do I stay well and prevent cross-infection?

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay at home if you are unwell.
  • Practise social distancing, keeping 1.5 m away from others.
  • Cover your mouth or nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Use disposable tissues and dispose of them in a bin.
  • Regularly wipe down surfaces with disinfectant.
  • Avoid contact with anyone showing adverse respiratory symptoms.
  • Adhere to the Australian Government's 14-day self-isolation requirement if returning from overseas.

Visit Queensland Health, the lead agency for health advice, for more information on how to stay well and prevent cross-infection.

Will workplaces, schools, shops, supermarkets and airports close down?

The Australian Government has advised that from 16 March 2020, static, non-essential gatherings should be limited.

For all up-to-date information on the limits on public gatherings due to coronavirus (COVID-19) please refer to the Australian Government’s Limits on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Will council services continue as normal?

Council has activated its Business Continuity Plan to ensure the continuation of critical business. Teams are working and planning across Council to ensure continuation of essential services.

Council is receiving regular briefs from Federal and State health authorities to assist with planning; and Pandemic Plans has also been activated.

What resources are available for local businesses?

The Australian Government has announced an economic stimulus package and developed fact sheets for the general public and industry.

The Queensland Government also has released an Immediate Industry Recovery Package to provide relief to Queensland industries, businesses and workers.

Contact 1300 654 687 to find out about business support from Queensland Government.

What information is available for the health and aged care sector?

The Australian Government has developed a range of resources for aged care residents and families. Council has also written to local aged care facilities requesting that they ensure their employees are trained and understand the practices that need to be put in place for the management of disease outbreaks.

The symptoms to monitor are similar to other colds and flus and include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing (Australian Government Department of Health, 2020).

To help prevent transmission during an outbreak, routine cleaning should be increased for all common areas. This includes but is not limited to, frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, bathroom taps, chairs, tables, lift buttons and any shared areas such as common kitchen and dining areas. Surfaces should be cleaned using detergent and warm water and then disinfected.

What happens if I am directed to isolate at home?

The Australian Government has produced a range of facts sheets about home isolation and care.

Resources for people with disability to make a plan for COVID-19

The following resources have been made available by the Queenslanders with Disability Network or the Australia Government Disability Information website or  Helpline Ph: 1800 643 787

The Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (PCEP) Planning for COVID-19 is for people with disability, to assist them and their supporters to be informed and take actions to prepare for their own individual needs and circumstances during this pandemic.

It is important that people with disability can continue to access their essential supports and services and this includes essential disability supports. This tool helps people think about these essential disability supports across eight different functional areas and make a plan related to what they need to do in this COVID-19 time.

PCEP COVID-19 Planning Tool

Word Version PCEP COVID-19 Planning Tool
PDF Version PCEP COVID-19 Planning Tool

My COVID-19 Plan

Word Version My COVID-19 Plan
PDF Version My COVID-19 Plan

Printable STOP sign

This is a sign that you can put on your front door to let people know you are at higher risk:

Printable Stop Sign