This page is dedicated to information about novel Coronavirus COVID-19 to keep residents up to date with information as it arises.
Please remember to listen to the advice of authorities and:
- Wash your hands often and properly with soap and water
- Stay home except for essential outings or if you work in an essential service
- Keep 1.5m away from others as much as possible
- Avoid shaking hands, kissing or hugging others
- Avoid gatherings that aren’t essential.
Please also keep up to date with general Council news by the News tab on this website.
It is totally normal to feel concerned when events like COVID-19 happen in the world. Remember to keep talking to your family and source information only from reliable sources.
Updated 3 July 2020 - Restricted Access to Remote Communities Direction Transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3
The Chief Health Officer has declared communities as Stage 3 which removes all travel restrictions including entry and quarantine requirements and applies the same provisions as other areas of Queensland under the under the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions. As of midday 3 July 2020 Hope Vale and the following LDMG’s transitioned to Stage 3 which will see these communities come into line with the rest of Qld in respect to entry and exit from these areas:
Hope Vale and Aurukun, Cook, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw, Napranum,Mapoon, Wujal Wujal, Yarrabah, Weipa.
This has resulted in the Vehicle Check Points at Palmer River, Chillago and Yarrabah being decommissioned :
The checkpoints will remain staffed whilst the infrastructure is removed however traffic will not be impeded.
For more detailed information and to see the roadmaps:
Roadmap to easing access restrictions in Queensland’s remote communities. should be read in conjunction with
Roadmap to easing Qld restrictions
The DATSIP webpage provides detailed information on travel restrictions and access
ACCESS AND COMMUNITY ENTRY PASS (E-PASS) INFORMATION - COVID-19
Updated 15 June 2020 1830pm - Information on family visits from Qld Government
Information has been released by the Qld Government about permits for family members living within the Declared Travel Zone, who wish to visit Hope Vale. Please go to this link to apply for your Community Entry Pass (E Pass) to visit family in Hope Vale.
The Declared Travel Zone relating to Hope Vale includes Cairns Regional Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, and Carpentaria Shire Council areas. .
Council has been advised that exemption requests can be submitted using that website, or you can also call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). More information is provided on the links below.
Qld Health COVID19 Restricted Access to Remote Communities web page
DATSIP has also provided this information on travel restrictions to remote communities
Qld Health Travellling to or through remote communities webpage Community Entry Pass (E Pass) information
Travel outside Declared Travel Zone
If you travel outside the Declared Travel Zone you will need to quarantine for 14 days or have an exemption under the Chief Health Officer’s Public Health Direction.
Note: The Communities Entry Pass is not valid for Queensland border crossings. A Queensland Entry Pass must be obtained separately if remote community travel also involves a border crossing.
Updated 12 June 2020 - Update to travel restrictions road access to Cairns (Mulligan Highway)
Council received information on lifting of travel restrictions late Thursday evening. The current management for access exemption passes which was managed by the Hope Vale LDMG ceased as of 12:00 AM last night. All queries and applications will be dealt with by the Chief Health Officer.
Hope Vale residents can now travel within the Declared Travel Zone and return without having to quarantine or apply for exemptions. See more information here ‘Understanding this Direction’
Residents of Hope Vale will have unlimited access into the area identified as the Declared Travel Zone which is to the Council regions of Cairns, Douglas, Carpentaria, Tablelands and Mareeba.
Family who live outside of Hope Vale, but within the Declared Travel Zone, and wish to visit family will be allowed to travel into community - there is a requirement for visitors to have with them a 'Remote Community Pass' – the link is here https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/travelling-to-or-through-remote-communities . (note this information is updated in the post above 15/6/20)
This means residents can now go shopping, do business and go to medical appointments in that travel zone. When returning, residents will need to show proof of residency (e.g. driver’s licence or other identifying documentation) at the checkpoint at Palmer River.
Workers who wish to enter will still need to get permission from the Chief Health Officer of Queensland. Information for essential workers is available here
Travel outside Declared Travel Zone
If you travel outside the declared Travel Zone you will need to quarantine for 14 days or have an exemption under the Chief Health Officer’s Public Health Direction.
This is more information on the Chief Health Officer’s Direction Direction - Restricted Access to Remote Communities
INFORMATIVE LINKS
Apply for an exemption from a Public Health Direction (including family visits within designated travel zones) 12/6/20
DATSIP information on travel restrictions to remote communities as at 12/6/20
Qld Health COVID19 Restricted Access to Remote Communities web page
Minister Craig Crawford Media Release Queensland roadmap eases remote restrictions 12/6/20
Stage 2 of a 3 stage Roadmap for easing restrictions for Qld remote communities commenced 12/6/20. See Roadmap here
Australian Government Keep our Mob Safe Newsletters
Australian Government advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities:
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service FaceBook page
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service FaceBook page
Australian Government Department of Health FaceBook page
Australian Government Department of Health Website
Lifeline phone 13 11 14
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 INFORMATION
COVID-19 APP. Keep up-to-date by downloading the Australian Government's mobile app. Search “Coronavirus Australia” in the Apple App Store and on Google Play or visit www.australia.gov.au
Non-essential business, activity and undertaking Closure Direction (No.4)
Limits on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Factsheet Community Recovery March 31 2020
Hope Vale Township Coronavirus Fact Sheet March 22 2020
Public Notice: Staying safe as a Community Care Worker
Resources including fact sheets, posters, guidelines and other information
Federal Government COVID-19 resources and information
COVID-19 Protection and Containment - Information Resource
COVID-19 – Advice for organising public gatherings
COVID-19 – Information on social distancing
Differences between COVID-19, a cold and the ‘flu
Indigenous Australia facebook page
National Indigenous Australians Agency
Sorry Business and COVID-19
Apunipima Information and Resources
Community Letter and information