General News
7 April, 2020
Cape restrictions in place to non-essential travel
People are now restricted from entering remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
With the Easter long weekend about to start, many families may be tempted to pack up the four wheel drive and head to their favourite camping spots in the far north.
COVID-19 restrictions are now in place, with people restricted from entering remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that are designated areas under emergency provisions of the Biosecurity Act.
All communities across Cape York and Torres Straits are within the declared biosecurity area, as well as the Yarrabah and Mornington Shire Aboriginal communities.
Police will have a number of vehicle checkpoints in place to restrict non-essential travel into the Cape.
A Queensland Police Spokesperson said "Essential service personnel are exempt so important services such as healthcare, police and emergency services as well as essential supplies can continue to enter this area." they said.
"Those exempt to travel into the biosecurity designated areas are required to undergo health screening questions before entry is granted,
"For those non-exempt vehicles, they will be refused entry and turned around. These measures are designed to reduce the spread and impact of the virus to vulnerable people in our communities."
Similar procedures are in place on the Pine Creek Yarrabah Road at the Base of the Yarrabah range.
The Cape Tribulation to Bloomfield Road is closed at Emmagen Creek and south of Wujal Wujal.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities declared biosecurity zones.
Restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Police are asking residents to adhere to the present advice and refrain from any non-essential travel.
Additional information is available:
