We can weather this virus storm

THE Far North has yet to report a confirmed case of COVID-19 but the community is rapidly getting prepared for the worst.

More events are being cancelled, people are stocking up on essentials, including toilet paper which is still hard to buy, some businesses are closing temporarily or partially shutting and many staff are working from home.

Even small gatherings of 500 or less are being axed and nothing has been spared, from shows at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and conferences at the Cairns Convention Centre to the Ironman 70.3 in June, the AFL Cairns launch on Friday and JCU’s graduation.

Airlines are cutting even more flights to and from Cairns and the tourism industry is struggling.

It’s unprecedented and it could last six months or more as the

Federal Government spends billions of dollars to try to keep the economy ticking over.

Surprisingly, luxury vehicle sales are buoyant despite the overall

Cairns market being down by about a quarter.

Dealers are reporting healthy numbers with one, the Trinity Auto Group, recording its best month in February for five years.

Do wealthier people know something we don’t, are they getting in early or are they just pleasantly optimistic?

The region will survive this ordeal just has it did the global financial crisis, other health issues, such as SARS, and the destruction caused by cyclones.

In the meantime we need to take special care of the elderly and vulnerable in our community who will be feeling it the most as well as children.

The Far North’s reputation of resilience will be tested.

Nick Dalton Deputy editor