Covid ragers put us all at risk: Coco
CUSTOMERS who are abusing staff and refusing Covid-19 check-ins at the region’s businesses are risking the health and prosperity of North Queensland, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce says.
The chamber issued the stark warning after it said it had received numerous reports from businesses, concerned locals and police relating to customers who were flouting mandatory check-in requirements.
It said that the same customers were also “subjecting
staff and business owners to verbal tirades and abuse”.
Chamber president Rachael Coco said she was concerned that if a local Covid-19 outbreak could not be contained, it could lead to a lockdown that could prove “catastrophic” to Hinchinbrook businesses.
She said she was disappointed that while most consumers were doing the right thing, “some people are taking their frustrations out on innocent staff who are simply trying to do their jobs”.
“Hinchinbrook businesses are doing their best to comply with Covidsafe legislation
and no one deserves to be insulted or mistreated in the workplace – there’s no excuse for abuse,” Ms Coco said.
“Contact tracing is an important tool in stopping the spread of this virus, and if the worst happens and the Hinchinbrook Shire experiences an outbreak, the impact could prove exponentially more harmful because people have been refusing to check in.
“A local outbreak has the potential to be devastating, not just from a health perspective but from an economic and social standpoint too, so if you care about pro
tecting our ageing population, our small businesses and our way of life, check in or stay home.”
Ms Coco said she respected that some people had a moral objection to check-ins but reminded residents that there were options available to consumers who did not want to participate in contacttracing measures.
“If you don’t feel comfortable checking in, call the business you want to support and find out what alternatives are available to you,” she said.
“Online orders, click and collect, phone orders, home delivery, takeaways and even carpark pick-ups are available to consumers who don’t want to check in, and most businesses will go the extra mile to provide services that keep the community safe.”
Ms Coco wanted to urge consumers to consider whether their personal opinions or objections were worth putting the health and wellbeing of the community at risk.
“Our community is known for its good old-fashioned customer service and small town values so let’s not lose sight of who we are during these difficult times,” Ms Coco said.