COASTAL townships are off-limits to tourists over the Easter holiday break in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
This is the urgent message from civic and health leaders who fear an influx of tourists could trigger a second spike in regional COVID-19 cases.
While the Limestone Coast’s confirmed cases remain static at seven, dozens of people continue to be tested at drive-through COVID-19 clinics across the region.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage has called for visitors to stay home and for regional people to continue self-isolation and social distancing measures.
Mr Sage said he was flabbergasted to see tourists earlier this week meandering around Port MacDonnell.
His comments come as Port MacDonnell residents raise the alarm that visitors – some international tourists – have been visiting the fishing township in recent weeks.
There are also concerns non-essential travellers are crossing the Victorian border at Nelson and are not quarantining for 14 days.
Standing along the Port MacDonnell foreshore, Mr Sage said tourists were not wanted at this time.
“I have seen visitors walking around the boat ramp and cars from with Victorian number plates. There are definitely people down here on holiday leave,” Mr Sage said.
He described this behaviour as “irresponsible” given the COVID-19 threat facing the region.
“These visitors may not be quarantining themselves if they are walking around near the boats. They do not appear to be locals,” Mr Sage said.
“I think the information put out by the Federal Government is fair and just – essential travel does not include travelling away for holidays,” Mr Sage said.
“If you are travelling from Adelaide or Victoria and have a holiday shack, you need to go to that shack and stay there.
“This does not mean going out for a coffee or visiting friends and relations. It is about keeping the area safe.”
He warned it was vital the region’s health services did not become overwhelmed with COVD-19 cases.
While welcoming people living close to the Victorian border who relied on Mount Gambier and district shopping services, he said these essential travellers were part of the regional community and exempt.
“But if people are travelling further afield, it is definitely a no go zone,” the long serving mayor said.
“We are telling visitors we would love to welcome you back as soon as everything is over. But at the moment we want to keep our area isolated and keep infections low.”
Mr Sage said people needed to be mindful that COVID-19-related health complications were not just restricted to the elderly or those with other health issues.
“If you look abroad, there are children getting it. It is up to each one of us to self isolate.”
Mr Sage revealed his family – who had health issues – had been self-isolating.
“We have not seen our grand-kids and our daughter for over a fortnight now,” he said.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network executive director of medical services Dr Elaine Pretorius reiterated her call for people not to travel this long weekend or during the school holidays.
“The risk is now if these measures are relaxed, we could see a second spike,” Dr Pretorius warned.
“We have clearly flattened the curve, but we cannot let go.”
She said Singapore had recorded a second spike in cases, which was warning to Australians.
Dr Pretorius said it was “far too early” to know if the Limestone Coast would escape a second spike or a large number of infections.
“Other states are still seeing a number of cases every day,” she said.
The medical chief said these holidays would not be typical for families.
“It is not a time to catch up with family. The right thing to do is not visit mum and dad, but stay home,” Dr Pretorius said.
“We are not to be silly, we need to keep going.”
Dr Pretorius also warned against people visiting aged care facilities given residents were particularly at high risk of COVID-19.
“We are very worried about Easter. We do not want Adelaide people to come down here to our beautiful region, they can visit next Easter,” she said.
