We need our own plan
WE need a “regionally” led, but centrally co-ordinated approach for the next phase of adapting to COVID-19.
We are concerned the chief health officers and government are missing a crucial point.
Delaying the adoption of a regional response in the hope that COVID-19 will disappear is causing unnecessary harm to regional economies and their communities through statewide controls.
An independent expert report from right leading Australian universities, titled Road to Recovery, provides evidencebased options for policymakers dealing with the virus.
It suggests that elimination may not be successful in the long term as the public will lack immunity and the strategy of suppression or “controlled adaptation” may be the best compromise while we await a vaccine.
Queensland needs to be agile and smart in adapting to this virus. Such an approach should reignite economic activity and provide a rapid response capability when an outbreak occurs. This means being able to impose movement restrictions in a region when an outbreak occurs but allow relaxation of restrictions where the risk is low.
A one-size-fits-all approach across Queensland in imposing restrictions helped to control the spread but is not economically sustainable. Such an approach will not be agile enough to help Queensland cope with the next phase of “living with the virus” where local outbreaks should be expected and planned for.
We need to step out of restrictions with a clear plan for managing future outbreaks while minimising economic pain and unemployment.
Economic recovery will only occur when there is public confidence and a sense of clarity for businesses so they can make decisions about how to best manage the risk of an outbreak affecting their individual business and employees.
Ensuring widespread testing is critical to confining the disease, however there is also a need for assessment of local health service capability, needs of the community, supply chains and ability of businesses to implement restrictions in the event of an outbreak.
These then need to be integrated into a well-rehearsed plan for managing outbreaks.
Crucially, businesses need to be involved in such planning.
Just as with floods and bush fires, businesses will need to evolve strategies to become more resilient to the “new normal” in how they comply with restrictions to protect the health and safety of their customers and employees.
The State Government has an opportunity to bring together local authorities, local disaster management groups, businesses and health services to evolve a regional approach to future outbreaks and disasters.
Townsville is an ideal testing ground as we have had no new cases for more than 28 days and serves as a distribution centre for regions that are experienced in rebuilding after natural disasters.
It is time for government to partner with the public and acknowledge their understanding of COVID-19 by evolving transparent plans on a regional basis.
State backing for a local COVID-19 task force would be an excellent start to a collaborative approach as a longer term strategy.
DR CRAIG COSTELLO, (Specialist neurologist) MICHELE FALCONIERI, (President, Townsville Chamber of Commerce) DR SIVA SENTHURAN, (Specialist in intensive care medicine) CARL VALENTINE, (Managing partner, PVW accountants)