LOOK INSIDE QUARANTINE FACILITY LIFE
REPATRIATED residents and overseas workers who stay at the upcoming Toowoomba quarantine facility can expect limited mobility, strict biosecurity measures and catered meals as part of their two-week stay.
That’s based on how life is like inside the Northern Territory’s own quarantine centre at Howard Springs, which the Wellcamp facility will be explicitly based on.
Wagner Corporation’s John Wagner has made no secret his proposal, which will be run by Queensland Health once completed, is based on the NT centre.
Howard Springs, which has been hosting international arrivals since October last year and has not had a breach, is a massive complex made up of hundreds of demountable structures.
According to the Northern Territory Government’s website, guests touch down at Darwin Airport and are shuttled to the facility.
“On arrival at the facility, you will be provided (with) a comprehensive resident booklet providing information about day-to-day life in quarantine and telephone numbers/email addresses you are able to contact,” the website said.
“During your intake, you will be asked about your dietary needs, food allergies or medical needs.”
Guests are banned from bringing items like cooking equipment, alcohol, toys or other recreational items and care packages into the facility.
You will need to pack your phone charger as these are not provided by the facility.
Everyone is tested for Covid-19 twice during their stay at Howard Springs, with a refusal resulting in an extra 10 days at the facility.
The government restricts how much people can move around the centre, with movement only allowed once permitted by an officer.
“When not in their room, or on their veranda, residents must take all reasonable measures to stay at least 1.5 metres away from any other person in the quarantine facility, except for the person’s spouse, de facto partner, child or parent,” the website said.
“Guests must wear a face mask when outside their room unless an authorised officer permits the person to remove the face mask.
“Quarantine facility staff will remind you about wearing your mask, staying on your veranda and physically distancing through information in your resident booklet, by sending you sms reminder texts and verbally in person if we see you are not following the direction.”
Attendees are also banned from sharing or handing physical objects to other residents who are not immediate family members.
The two-week quarantine stay costs about $2500 per person, with limited luxuries included with the room.
“Three meals a day are provided, along with instant coffee, long-life milk, airconditioning and free-to-air TV,” the NT News said.
“The accommodation comprises rows of four demountable cabins, each holding a single bed, a chair, a desk, a small TV, a bar fridge and a kettle.
Howard Springs caters for people with specific dietary needs.