Indifference to mask-wearing in Port Douglas

Covid-19

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated:
Coles says they are working closely with customers and government to provide the best outcomes for shoppers. Pictured. One of the two Coles COVID checkins in Port Douglas. IMAGE: Newsport.

A Port Douglas resident has expressed his dismay at the number of people not wearing masks in high density areas.

And Alan Tegg is questioning who is responsible for the policing of mask wearing and checking in.

“I was at K Mart and Coles stores at about 11:00am yesterday and the number of people not checking in was bad enough.

“The number of people NOT wearing masks in both stores was bewildering. It appeared the staff in both stores had the ‘it’s OK approach’.

“I’m under the impression it’s a government mandate. Not a police officer in site. A farce!” said Tegg.

A spokesperson for Coles said they have prioritised the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout this pandemic and worked closely with state and federal government in regards to health orders.

“Where required by the government, we ask our customers to ensure they are wearing a face mask before entering our stores, unless they have an exemption – and the same rules apply to our team.

“We also ask that customers check in each time they visit our stores by scanning the QR Codes on display at the front of the store, within the store, or at the checkouts," said the spokesperson in a statement to Newsport.

A spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service said throughout the pandemic, the QPS has maintained a communication and compassionate approach to achieve compliance.

“Local police will continue to conduct patrols of popular public places, taking an educative approach to compliance around COVID-19 measures.

“Any members of the public who wish to report a breach of these directions may do so via Policelink: forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SuspiciousActivity”.

K Mart was approached for comment, but did not respond.
 

Mask wearing mandate:

You must wear a face mask in the following settings:

  1. indoor retail, such as shopping centres, supermarkets and shops
  2. cinemas and theatres
  3. public transport
  4. ride-share vehicles and taxis — by both passengers and drivers
  5. vulnerable facilities, including hospitals, residential aged care facilities, disability care accommodation and correctional facilities
  6. airports and on planes
  7. when you're at work if you're a hospitality worker


It’s recommended that you carry a mask with you in case you aren’t able to maintain physical distancing.
It’s also strongly recommended that you wear a mask when entering, exiting or moving around hospitality venues.

 

Exceptions:

There are some exceptions to wearing a face mask, including:

  • children under 12 — those under the age of 2 must not wear masks as they are a choking and suffocation risk
  • a person eating, drinking or taking medicine
  • where visibility of the mouth is essential
  • where a mask needs to be removed to clearly communicate
  • a person with a particular medical condition or disability
  • a person undergoing medical treatment
  • if a person is asked to remove a face mask for identity purposes
  • if wearing a mask creates a risk to a person’s health and safety
  • for emergencies or when allowed by law
  • in any circumstances when it’s not safe to wear a mask.


Source: Healthdirect, a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

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