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23rd March 2020

Over the weekend Scott Morrison and the National Cabinet announced updated measures for COVID-19 (read more HERE) that will impact many Australians. These measure have resulted in Cootharinga North Queensland management assessing how we deliver some of our services such as group based activities and community access.

As of midday today, the following facilities were restricted from opening:

  • Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
  • Gyms and indoor sporting venues 
  • Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, 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).

 
With the above announcement from the National Cabinet, taking into consideration the advice being given by health organisations and with staff, volunteer and customer health and safety a priority, the following closures and modifications to Cootharinga’s services have been put into place until further notice:
 
Cancellations/Closures
 April School Holiday Program (Townsville and Mount Isa)
 All public/commercial swimming pool activities including hydrotherapy
 Babinda Bargain Centre has been temporarily closed as of today, 23rdMarch.
 The Hub ‘Disco’ program on Tuesday mornings has been cancelled. 

Modifications Implemented
All Cootharinga centre based venues that host our group activities have been measured and a 4 square metre space has been calculated with groups being redistributed to adhere to this guideline.
Skills and Transition community activities have been varied to avoid large groups and to implement social distancing.
Community Access will continue to be provided for essential services such as:

  • Personal appointments
  • Errands such as groceries and banking
  • Exercise away from large groups and where social distancing can be implemented such as walking

At this point in time, all other services and activities are continuing as per the advice from the Department of Health, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Federal Government.

The management of Cootharinga North Queensland are regularly educating and communicating to our staff any changes or relevant updates as well as implementing best practices for the health and safety of all, as advised from the above health organisations, assisting us in providing continuity of service to you, our valued customers, staff and stakeholders.

We endeavour to keep you updated on the ever changing situation regarding COVID-19 and any affects it may have on Cootharinga North Queensland in a timely manner. We also encourage all of our customers to visit the Australian Government, Department of Health website HERE for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19 provided by the Australian Government.

If you require assistance in reading this email please contact us on 1800 266 842. For any questions or concerns, please send them through to myself via email  ceo@cootharinga.org.au 

Kind regards,

Matt Kinnane
CEO – Cootharinga North Queensland