Doc warns on hostel risks
CONCERNS the Burdekin could see a cluster of COVID-19 cases, similar to those seen in southern parts of Australia, have been raised by a local doctor.
With temperatures dropping, Home Hill Surgery GP Dr Sarat Tata says there is an increased risk of infection, particularly in crowded areas such as backpacker hostels.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin has previously told growers to only employ backpackers residing in hostels, despite reports of a number of backpackers choosing not to stay in the shared accommodation due to the pandemic.
Cr Mclaughlin said the push to only hire backpackers from hostels was because there was no way to be sure “that they have done the social isolating, where have they come from”.
However Dr Tata said the risks were high if measures were not being implemented properly in backpacker hostels.
“There is a potential for real concern as backpackers are unable to adequately practise social distancing as per guidelines,” Dr Tata said.
“I have seen 16 backpackers staying in large dorms, eight backpackers staying in a room and sleeping on bunk beds etc.
“If one of them gets an infection, it would only take a day or two for the rest of them to get infected and soon we can see a potential outbreak.
“If these people go out for shopping, lets say to IGA or Coles for example, they could easily infect a few people.”
Dr Tata said there was concern the fear of not being able to work would cause a backpacker to give false information to hostels and authorities.
Burdekin Shire Council chief executive Terry Brennan said the council and Queensland Health had worked with the hostels to ensure they had COVID-19 Business Continuity Plans in place.
Home Hill Backpacker Hostel manager Shelley Norris said numbers were limited in dorm rooms.
She said generally speaking compliance with social distancing and rules meaning not more than two people were allowed out to shop or exercise together were being adhered to, with the industry now waiting for harvest season to swing into action.