Cases

An 'historic' COVID-19 cases has been recorded in Cairns (15 January 2021). The man, a returned traveller, tested negative in hotel quarantine and was released, but has since tested positive. He's in quarantine in Cairns Hospital. Queensland Health believe he is likely 'shedding' the virus based on a previous infection. Further investigation is ongoing. Health authorities ask anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, to get tested and isolate until they return a negative test.

Coronavirus case numbers are provided by the Queensland Government.

There have been 39 confirmed positive cases in the Cairns Regional Council area to date.

• 27 acquired overseas
• 7 locally acquired, known contact
• 3 locally acquired, no known contact
• 1 from interstate
• 1 under investigation

More information

Information on the current coronavirus status is provided by State and Federal health authorities.

• Queensland cases
• Australian cases
• Contract tracing in Queensland

Testing

Anyone with coronvirus symptoms, no matter how mild, is urged to get tested and self-isolate until they receive their test results.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Loss of smell / and or taste

Queensland Health has testing clinics at the Cairns and Babinda hospitals and a drive-through clinic at 43 Aumuller Street, Portsmith (appointment needed, call 4226 4781, if line is busy leave a message).

Your GP can also order a coronavirus test.

Your can find your nearest testing clinic on the Queensland Health website.

COVIDSafe app

The Australian Government is encouraging residents to download the COVIDSafe app to their mobile phone.

The app helps health officials to quickly contact people who may have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). COVIDSafe is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (Android devices).

Downloading the app is voluntary. The Government says 40 per cent of Australians will need to download the app for it to be effective.

For more information on the app, how it works and privacy visit the Australian Government website.

• About the app and how it works
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Privacy

The status listed below will remain in effect until further notice. Users should adhere to physical distancing measures, good hygiene practices and follow the direction of any signage.

Facility status:

Easing of restrictions

Current restrictions (effective 4pm 17 November)

Indoor personal gathers (eg homes): increase from 40 to 50 people

Outdoor gatherings (eg barbecues, skate parks): increased to 100* people

Indoor premises: to one per person per 2m² (e.g. restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, museums, art galleries, places of worship, convention centres and Parliament House). Indoor play areas within a premises can open too.

Wedding ceremonies: Up to 200 people can attend a wedding and all guests can dance (both indoors and outdoors).

Funerals: Up to 200 people can attend a funeral.

Indoor events: Seated, ticketed venues 100% of capacity, patrons to wear masks on entry and exit (e.g. theatre, live music, cinemas and indoor sports).

Outdoor events: 1500 people allowed with a COVID Safe Event Checklist. Larger events require a COVID Safe Plan.

Open air stadiums: 100% of capacity (with a COVID Safe Plan)

Outdoor dancing: allowed (e.g. outdoor music festivals, beer gardens).

Indoor dancing: allowed, venues need to adhere to the one person per  2m² rule**

*Changed from 1am on 1 December. **Effective noon 13 December

More information

Queensland Government roadmap for easing restrictions

Movement and Gatherings

• Further information from the Queensland Government
• Full Public Health Direction

Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings

• Further information from the Queensland Government
• Full Public Health Direction

For more information on these regulations, or to report a breach, contact Queensland Health by phone on 13 4 COVID (13 4 26843), use their online form or email healthdirections@health.qld.gov.au.

Queensland borders

The Queensland border has reopened to all states and territories except declared hotspot. People visiting Queensland do not need to quarantine unless they have been in a hot spot in the past 14 days.

Current hot spots:

• Greater Sydney (from 1am AEST Tuesday 22 December)

Queensland residents returning to the State (and exempt people) who have been in a hot spot in the past 14 days will need to enter Queensland by air (not by road) and quarantine in a State-assigned hotel, at their own expense.

More information

• Read more on the Queensland Government website
• Read the Public Health Direction

Self isolation

Self-isolation means you must stay at home or in your hotel room for 14 days. You must self-isolate if you:

• have coronavirus
• have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus
• arrived from overseas
• arrived in Queensland from a declared hotspot

If you need assistance, such as delivery of food and essential items, while in self isolation you can call the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 operated by the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.

Economic support

Council support

To support Cairns residents and businesses, Council has endorsed the Financial Hardship Policy to provide rates and charges assistance (by way of extended payments plans and interest waivers) to those ratepayers suffering financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

To request assistance, complete the Rates hardship relief online form and our Revenue Team will contact you.

Australian Government support

On 21 July, the Australian Government announced changes to JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. You can read more in this factsheet.

For information, and to apply, for Australian Government financial support visit Services Australia.

Working from home tax deductions

The Australian Taxation Office has announced changes to rules around claiming expenses associated with working from home during Covid-19.

• For full details, visit the ATO's Working from home during Covid-19 website.

Queensland Government support

Renting

The Queensland Government has announced a range of support for renters and landlords including a freeze on evictions and a one-off rental grant for those who have been financially impacted by coronavirus and have no other financial assistance.

The Residential Rental Hub has information for renters, property owners, agents and property managers.

Utilities rebate

The Queensland Government's economic relief package will support Queenslanders’ health, jobs and businesses. For households, the package includes $200 rebate for all Queensland households to offset the cost of water and electricity bills. The rebate will be automatically applied through household electricity bills in the coming months.

For details on financial assistance for Queensland businesses, refer to the Business Queensland portal.

Community sport

The Queensland Government's Return to Play program offers assistance to community sport, recreation and fitness organisations with a range of funding and grants.

Applications for the COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart grant open on March 25. Clubs can apply for $2000 to go toward hygiene supplies, equipment and operational costs for COVID Safe clubs to return to sport.

Mental health support

It's natural to feel anxious or worried at this time.

Beyond Blue has been funded to provide mental health support during the coronavirus pandemic. You can find a wealth of information on their website, or contact the helpline on 1800 512 348.

The Queensland Government also has support for people experiencing domestic and family violence.

Support over the phone is available from these organisations:

Information, advice and ideas for maintaining good mental health

• Coronavirus and mental health: resources and information (Queensland Mental Health Commission)
• Mental health advice from Head to Health (Department of Health, Australian Government)
• Ideas for staying connected while being physically apart (Queensland Health)
• Looking after yourself while you’re self-quarantining (Queensland Health)
• How to look after your mental wellbeing in a crisis (Queensland Health)
• Healthier Happier (Queensland Government) has ideas for staying happy and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic including recipes, exercise tips, workouts you can do at home or in a hotel room, guides and articles.
• Headspace has information specifically designed to help young people (12-25 year olds) maintain a healthy headscape and manage the effects of stress related to coronavirus.
• Talking to children and young people about coronavirus (Red Cross)
• Defusing family tension and conflict during coronavirus (Red Cross)
• Ways for families to stay happy and hopeful during self-isolation (Red Cross)
• Wellbeing of students (Queensland Government) has practical advice for parents and students on support, healthy routines, mental health and wellbeing, home-based learning and communicating with teachers.
• Connect with others on the Beyond Blue Coping With Coronavirus online forum
• Supporting children during coronavirus (Emerging Minds)

A pathway to recovery from COVID-19

In close collaboration with the Cairns COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Sub-Committee, Council has developed the Cairns Pathway to Recovery from COVID-19.  The document summarises the economic impacts of COVID-19 and sets out a four phase plan for economic recovery.

You can download the document here ( PDF, 2.09 MB ) or by clicking on the cover image above.

Economic impact of COVID-19 on Cairns

Council commissioned independent economic advisory firm, .id Consulting Pty Ltd, to analyse the anticipated impacts of COVID-19 on the Cairns economy.

Download and read a copy of the report ( PDF, 1.21 MB ).

Key findings include:

• Pre COVID-19, the Cairns economy was strong with Gross Regional Product (GRP) growth above Queensland and Australian averages, and unemployment well below both the state and national levels.
• The re-establishment of domestic aviation connectivity and capacity into Cairns is critically important, coupled with investment in destination marketing to fill that capacity. This is what will be required to return the city’s service population to ‘pre-COVID’ levels and get the local economy moving again.

Cairns business survival initiatives identified

Back in March, business leaders in Cairns developed a suite of 10 key initiatives for consideration by Government (Federal, State and Local) in response to the unfolding economic effects from the spread of COVID-19.

The initiatives were developed by the Economic Response and Recovery Sub-Committee (ERRSC), a group chaired by Cairns Regional Council's Chief Executive Officer, and comprising representatives of business and peak bodies, including Advance Cairns, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Cairns Airport, Ports North and others.

The ERRSC report outlining the recommended 10 key Business Survival Initiatives ( PDF, 0.64 MB ) was presented to this local leadership group and distributed through relevant channels of the three levels of Government for consideration.

Council is maintaining and regularly updating a Status Report ( PDF, 0.15 MB ) which tracks action that has been taken on each of the 10 key Business Survival Initiatives.

Preliminary report on stimulus initiatives

The ERRSC has also prepared a Preliminary Report on Stimulus Initiatives ( PDF, 0.18 MB ) into the recommended projects, policy and programs needed to support economic recovery and job creation in the Cairns region over the short to medium term and in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

The ERRSC welcomes suggestions, ideas and input which can be submitted direct to Council’s Economic Development Team at: economicdevelopment@cairns.qld.gov.au

Australian Government

Latest health information

Australian Government coronavirus site 

Australian Department of Health

Australian Government Coronavirus app

Australian Department of Health media releases

Australian Health  Protection Principal Committee

Prime Minister of Australia (includes transcripts of major announcements)

National Indigenous Australians Agency

Business information

Scamwatch website for more information on coronavirus scams and tips on how to protect your business online

Australian Treasury is leading the economic response to the coronavirus

Queensland Government

Latest health information

Queensland Government coronavirus website

Queensland Government media statements

Queensland Health website

Queensland Health Facebook

Queensland public health directions

Queensland Health cases and contact tracing

Premier of Queensland Anastacia Palaszczuk

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service website

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Facebook

Business information

Business Queensland has a range of grants, assistance and support packages.

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner provides information and advocacy support, informal resolution and mediation and leasing dispute resolution.

Event organisers seeking to hold an event in Queensland must adhere to the requirements set out in the Industry Framework for COVID Safe Events. Additionally, organisers will require approval from Cairns Regional Council if the event is held at a Council venue.

The key principle in staging events is to avoid overcrowding. Organisers should apply the one person per 4 square metre rule (for indoor events) and one person per 2 square metres (for outdoor events). Organisers also need to have a plan in place to protect attendees and different COVID plans depending on the number of people attending an event.

Events under approved COVID Safe Plan

Event organisers need to determine if the event can operate in compliance with  an existing approved COVID Safe Industry, Site-Specific or Professional Sporting Code Plan. The plan must cover all facets of the event.

The event organiser must also notify the local Public Health Unit of the event at least 10 business days prior to the event taking place if:

• 500 people per day or more are attending an indoor event, or
• 1500 people or more per day are attending an outdoor event.

Events not covered by COVID Safe Plan

If the event cannot operate under one of these plans then the event organiser must comply with the following:

Indoor Events

• 500 people or fewer – must comply with COVID Safe Event Checklist. No further approval from Queensland Health needed
• 500 – 10,000 people – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the local Public Health Unit
• 10,000 people or more – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Chief Health Officer

Outdoor Events

• 1,500 people or fewer – must comply with the COVID Safe Event Checklist; no further approval from Queensland Health needed.
• 1,500 – 10,000 people – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the local Public Health Unit
• 10,000 people or more – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Chief Health Officer

Council requests that all COVID Safe Event Checklists and COVID Safe Event Plans are provided to Council when operating within Council venues. Officers are available to assist with these documents.

See below for more information:

• Covid-safe community hall booking restrictions
• Queensland Government COVID Safe Events
• Queensland Government COVID Safe Events Frequently Asked Questions PDF
• COVID Safe Event Checklist ( PDF, 0.4 MB )
• COVID Safe Industry Framework (guide for developing a COVID Safe Event Plan) ( PDF, 1.44 MB )

Since the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020, Council has worked with health authorities, government agencies, the business sector and social services to coordinate support efforts for our community.

The human and social response to COVID-19 was initially managed by a committee, the HSRRSC, which was led by Council and included dozens of local services providers and government agencies.

We have also been looking towards the future, working together, and planning to put frameworks and strategies into place to help the community to recover and thrive.

One of the early recovery tasks was a Rapid Social Needs Assessment ( PDF, 3.41 MB ), undertaken by James Cook University, to gauge the human and social impact and needs of our community.

COVID-19 Cairns Local Recovery Plan

The COVID-19 Cairns Local Recovery Plan sets out the tasks and actions we will need to recover and strengthen our community and economy. Together, with more than 100 community groups, government agencies, charity organisations, businesses and industry groups, we have drafted a number of recovery outcomes for the city, and identified the tasks and timeframes needed to achieve these outcomes. The recovery tasks and objectives include:

• Investigating region-specific incentives to drive employment and population growth in Cairns.
• Unlocking local manufacturing and value-adding of existing supply chains.
• Neighbourhood-based activities and events that connect people and strengthen communities.
• Advocacy and lobbying for projects that support the creation of new experiences, infrastructure and jobs such as Wangetti Trail, Cairns Gallery Precinct and Indigenous-led cultural experiences
• Establishing a pandemic-specific communications plan.
• Backing research and development for better-integrated social service delivery models and long-term resilience planning.

You can download a two-page summary of the COVID-19 Cairns Local Recovery Plan ( PDF, 1.36 MB ) to find out how you can help and have your say.

The full document - the COVID-19 Cairns Local Recovery Plan ( PDF, 6.21 MB ) - is downloadable as a PDF, or you can read it online below.