Decisive action needed now

A FOCUS on saving lives and ensuring our health facilities were wellresourced and able to deal with escalating COVID-19 cases has absolutely been the right one throughout this pandemic threat.

You only have to look at the US, Spain and Italy to feel a sense of relief that our country’s medical notes haven’t mimicked theirs.

With parents who are 81 and 79, relatives with compromised immunity and a responsibility to staff, I’ve done everything I can to keep them — and the community — as safe as possible.

With dwindling numbers of cases across the state and only a handful of people currently with coronavirus in the Far North, we’re all starting to look toward a light at the end of the tunnel.

We get (except for a few stupid NRL footballers) how important it is not to slip up.

I suspect that’s why so many Australians have downloaded the government’s COVID app despite privacy concerns. They’re ready to get back to their lives.

That’s why it’s important to start vigorously preparing for life postCOVID. What is it going to take to get businesses chugging again and people back to work?

It’s likely to mean a multi-pronged attack to match the easing of restrictions, but we better be ready.

We will need a plan and a helping hand.

There are major, practical projects that could be brought forward to give us a much-needed boost.

We also need for the government to stick a fork in the Global Tourism Hub and yell out loud, “it’s done”.

There has never been a more important time to be quick and decisive.

Jennifer Spilsbury

Editor