Douglas Shire Council receives regular updates from the Queensland and Australian governments and will respond as required or directed by appropriate health authorities.
Face Mask Requirement (March-April 2021)
In all areas of Queensland you must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces. Read more here.
Queensland Health provides timely health advice and information. Anyone with concerns can call 13 HEALTH or take the COVID-19 coronavirus quiz.
Council updates:
Port Douglas Markets - Masks Mandatory
You must carry a facemask at all times and you must wear the mask if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, wear it at all times when in a market stall, or requested by Council staff.
It is highly recommended that a mask be worn at all times whilst at the market. If in doubt wear a mask.
Customers are requested to bring and pack their own bags and to ensure they maintain social distancing at all times.
Pop-up COVID Testing Clnic at Port Douglas Community Hall
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and QML have established a new pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic at Port Douglas Community Hall.
The clinic, located at 13-29 Mowbray St, Port Douglas is open:
- Wednesday 31 March from 8.30am-12.30pm
- Thursday 1 April from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
This is a walk-up service, so no bookings are required. Please wear a mask when attending the clinic.
Customer Service at the Port Douglas Community Hall and Port Douglas Library will be closed during this time
Testing is also available at the Mossman Hospital drive-through COVID-19 Testing Clinic.
This is an appointment-only service, which is open from 8.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Bookings can be made online here 
https://healthserviceportal.health.qld.gov.au/hdsp or by calling 0459 803 382.
Anyone with any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, should get tested immediately.
To find a testing location or drive-through clinic near you visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/testing-and-fever-clinics
If you have any concerns for your health, phone your GP, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or present to your closest emergency department. #makefnqcovid19free
Mandatory mask-wearing in Council buildings
Customers attending Douglas Shire Council indoor buildings in Mossman and Port Douglas will be required to wear a mask from Tuesday 30 March 2021.
In line with COVID-19 restrictions announced by QLD Health today, Council is requiring customer service staff and members of the public to wear the mask at all times inside the libraries and customer service centres until lockdown restrictions are eased.
Read more here.
EFTPOS preferred at Daintree Ferry
Travellers on the Daintree Ferry are encouraged to use EFTPOS payment methods due to the increased presence of COVID-19 precautions in Queensland.
Residents & travellers
Council is prepared for any potential impacts of the COVID-19 virus and is taking a calm and precautionary approach to slowing the transmission of COVID-19.
Queensland Health provides timely health advice and information. Anyone with concerns can call 13 HEALTH or take the COVID-19 coronavirus quiz.
Important Updates from the Queensland Government
Queensland Government’s latest updates and advice for residents and travellers can be accessed here
COVID-19 Testing Clinic - Mossman
Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should get tested and isolate immediately.
Mossman Hospital drive-through clinic
An alternative booking-based testing and fever clinic continues to be available at Mossman Hospital.
Mossman Hospital
9 Hospital Street, Mossman
Bookings required, phone 0459 803 382. Leave a message and you will be called back.
Opening times
- 8:00am – 4pm, Monday to Friday
COVID-19 testing is free at all clinics
Other COVID-19 testing locations can be found on the Queensland Health website:
Further Questions
Should you have any further queries in relation to this matter please contact 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or check the Queensland Health website here.
Current cases - Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service area
Queensland Health has reported that there have been 48 total confirmed cases to date in our health area*. (updated January 5 2021).
Information on the current coronavirus status is provided by State and Federal health authorities.
Local information is also available here.
*Information for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service area, which includes Douglas Shire, Cairns, the Tablelands, Tully, Chillagoe, Georgetown and Croydon.
Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Community
National Cabinet
Australian governments are taking a measured approach. The Federal Government’s three-step plan provides a pathway for jurisdictions to move towards COVID safe communities in a way that best suits their individual circumstances. Read more here.
Queensland Government
The Queensland Government’s health response to COVID-19 means we’re well positioned for recovery. The Queensland’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 restrictions outlines a staged approach to giving Queenslanders more freedom to travel, participate in more activities and hold more gatherings. Read more here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout
The Australian Government is in charge of selecting, buying and regulating the COVID-19 vaccines.
The Queensland Government is in charge of delivering the vaccine across our state.
The vaccine will be rolled out in stages, over a six to 12-month period.
The rollout of the vaccine started in late February for the highest priority groups.
For more information about the vaccines, including your eligibility to receive the vaccine, please visit:
- The Australian Government website
- The National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Qld Health Question and Answers website
Businesses
Local Support & Information
Council is acutely aware of the challenges faced by businesses in our Shire and will work with all levels of government, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and the Douglas Chamber of Commerce to look at ways to support our business sector.
Important Information on Recording Customer Details
The Qld Government has made the use of electronic check-in processes at hospitality businesses (e.g. QR codes) mandatory from 23rd December 2020. Occupant density limits apply to hospitality businesses that are unable to comply and continue to use paper based records.
Other businesses, activities and undertaking included in the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12) are also required to keep customer contact records.
For further information please visit here.
Register for Council Projects
Local tradies and suppliers are encouraged to register online to receive updates about upcoming projects and business opportunities with Douglas Shire Council. More information here.
Buy Douglas: Build Douglas
A buy local campaign called Buy Douglas: Build Douglas is encouraging people to spend their money in Douglas Shire and build the economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Economic Recovery Group, which features Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) and Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, has today launched the campaign to get everyone to ‘Do It In Douglas’.
Visit the campaign website here.
Douglas Chamber of Commerce
Douglas Chamber of Commerce will be updating their website with helpful information and support available for small businesses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Risk Management
It doesn’t matter if you’re a worker or someone who is responsible for workers, you must identify and manage work health and safety risks including the exposure to COVID-19. Businesses should also plan to respond to cases of COVID-19 at work in line with advice provided by Queensland Health.
Food and Hospitality Businesses
Food and hospitality businesses must comply with the relevant requirements of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12) .
Food and hospitality businesses are included in Schedule 1A of the Direction and are therefore required to keep electronic records of customer contact details.
For further details, please refer to:
- paragraphs 11-14 of the Direction,
- Businesses, activities and undertakings fact sheet; and
- Collecting contact information for COVID-19 fact sheet.
Particularly note that if a business is unable to keep electronic records, they will be limited to a customer capacity of 1 person per 4 square metres of floor space, seated patrons only, and no dancing.
Businesses using the COVID Safe Checklist must use the most current version. Please see COVID Safe Checklist: Dining and drinking (covid19.qld.gov.au).
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Accommodation
Accommodation business must comply with all relevant requirements of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12)
The Direction states:
Business, activity, undertaking, premises or place |
Restrictions and Allowances
|
| Hostels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, boarding houses |
Example – Aboriginal hostels and boarding homes for people living with a disability or mental health issues are not required to have a health management plan. Note – facilities may also need to comply with the Seasonal Workers Health Management and International Quarantine Plans Direction (No. 2) or its successor |
| Short term rentals and short term accommodation (for example, serviced apartments including holiday rentals, holiday accommodation or hosting accommodation provided through online booking platforms) |
Note – facilities may also need to comply with the Seasonal Workers Health Management and International Quarantine Plans Direction (No. 2) or its successor |
| Caravan and camping parks |
Note – facilities may also need to comply with the Seasonal Workers Health Management and International Quarantine Plans Direction (No. 2) or its successor |
Personal Services, Massage, Tanning, Tattoo Parlours, Spas and Saunas
Beauty and personal care services must comply with the relevant requirements of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12)
The following beauty and personal care service must implement a COVID Safe Checklist: Personal Services:
- Hairdressing
- Beauty therapy (for example, facials, makeup, waxing and laser treatments)
- Nail services (including manicures, pedicures)
- Tanning
- Cosmetic injections
- Personal appearance services where skin penetration is used (example – tattooing, body piercing, skin implants, hair implants, microneedling)
- Massage (therapeutic)
- Day spas and wellness centres (excluding water-based spa services such as saunas and bathhouses)
A copy of the COVID Safe Checklist is available here.
Businesses that provide:
- Non-therapeutic massage; or
- Water-based spa services such as saunas, bathhouses and floatation services
Must operate in compliance with:
- an Approved Plan; or
- despite occupant density, for a maximum of 50 people in compliance with a COVID Safe Checklist, where not complying with an Approved Plan.
Note – for businesses that operate with a COVID Safe Checklist, they are limited to 50 people for these services, regardless of whether they provide any other beauty-related services listed above (for example, a massage parlour that provides both therapeutic and non-therapeutic massage).
A copy of the Approved Plan is available here.
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Swimming Pools
Businesses operating swimming pools accessible to the public must comply with the relevant requirements of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12) .
The Direction states:
Business, activity, undertaking, premises or place |
Restrictions and Allowances |
Swimming pools
|
Must observe physical distancing out of the pool. Occupant density does not apply in the pool.
Example – spectators and coaches at a water polo game must observe physical distancing. Players are not required to observe the 1 person per 2 square metre rule in the pool. |
Businesses must also operate in accordance with an Approved Plan available here.
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Tourism experiences
Businesses which operate a tourist experiences must comply with the relevant requirements of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12)
Businesses must follow the COVID Safe Framework and operate with an Approved COVID Safe Plan or otherwise an applicable COVID Safe Checklist with a limit of 50 customers. If there is no relevant COVID Safe Plan or COVID Safe Checklist then the business must operate under the following restrictions:
- operate for a maximum of 50 people with no more than one person per 2 square metres, unless otherwise specified in column 2 of Schedule 1; and
- collect and keep contact information; and
- ensure physical distancing is observed; and
- operate the business, activity or undertaking in accordance with all other requirements of this Direction.
Approved COVID Safe plans are available here.
A copy of a relevant CCOVID Safe Checklist is available here.
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Weddings
Wedding ceremonies and receptions are restricted activities under the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12)
The Direction states that weddings are limited to a maximum of 200 people.
Note – the number of people permitted to attend a wedding reception is based on the requirements for the business, activity, undertaking, premises or place where the reception is held. For example – if a wedding reception is hosted by a restaurant, the requirements in paragraph 7 [of the Direction], including occupant density and the COVID Safe Framework, would determine how many guests could attend.
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Funerals
Funerals are restricted activities under the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12) and are limited to a maximum of 200 people.
The Qld Government’s COVID funeral protocol (including the consideration of exemptions to the limit on the number of people is available here.
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Indoor & Outdoor Events
Indoor and outdoor events (Example – marathons, cultural festivals, fetes, expos) are restricted activities under the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 12) and must operate in compliance with an Approved Plan (if applicable), a COVID Safe Event Plan, or a COVID Safe Checklist.
Full details about undertaking a COVID Safe Event is available at COVID Safe Events | Queensland Government (covid19.qld.gov.au)
For further information, please contact the Qld Health COVID Hotline on 134 COVID (13 42 68)
Council Response
Below you’ll find a list of steps Council has taken regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Council has Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to ensure the continued supply of critical services such as water, wastewater and waste collection.
- Staff will be trialling working from home and other working patterns that promote social distancing in preparation for a potential local outbreak.
- Council has invested in Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and will be placing educational symptom posters, as well as touch-free sanitizers at key council facilities.
- Council has raised awareness to all staff in line with the latest national advice.
- The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group is liaising with core members, advisors and the District Disaster Management Group.
- Residents and visitors are encouraged to practice good hygiene by hand washing, covering sneezes and staying home if you are sick.
Council is taking a calm and precautionary approach to slowing the transmission of COVID-19 – please refer to the resources available online at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.
By working closely with Queensland Health, Council is also actively raising awareness and sharing information to key agencies and the community.
Buy Douglas: Build Douglas
A buy local campaign called Buy Douglas: Build Douglas is encouraging people to spend their money in Douglas Shire and build the economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Economic Recovery Group, which features Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) and Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, has today launched the campaign to get everyone to ‘Do It In Douglas’.
Local business owners are fronting the new campaign in a bid to encourage people to support the sector during this challenging period.
Douglas Shire Council endeavours to buy locally and give businesses the best opportunity. Council employees know the difference they can make by keeping the money in Douglas Shire. Register FREE at Vendor Marketplace to join the public supplier list.
Are you a business owner with a story to tell?
Email Douglas Shire Council at media@douglas.qld.gov.au to make sure your story is heard.
