COVID continues to disrupt life across the globe and Beaudesert is no exception.
Teaspoons & Aprons Cafe owner, Shinade Harper is grateful for the support and understanding shown by locals.
Prior to the vaccination mandate, Shinade was concerned about a backlash from non-vaccinated customers.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised. We only had one incident where a regular customer asked if we were choosing to comply with the mandate”
“I said that we couldn’t’ afford a fine or imprisonment if we don’t comply so that was resolved quickly and quietly.”
“We are very grateful to the community for their support.”
Business Disruption
Maureen Ball from Beaudesert Tyre Store said their workforce had halved because they were ill or isolating due to being close contacts of confirmed cases.
“I’ve got three staff here where normally we have seven,” she said.
One staff member had a COVID test at Logan Hospital on Monday 3 January and was still waiting for results three days later.
“I’m knocking back jobs because I haven’t got the staff to do them.”
Tests Unavailable
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause, highlighted the lack of drive in testing facilities in the Scenic Rim.
“While changes to guidelines about getting a swab/PCR test mean far fewer people will need one, the fact is our region was completely left off the map for testing,” he said.
“No hospital centre, and no private testing centre working for QLD Health.”
“If the Government are going to make these rules that pull people out of work and push them into isolation – with all the stress for families and businesses – they have a responsibility to make the system work quickly and efficiently so that if people are not sick they can just get on with their lives.”
Sullivan Nicolaides are at testing capacity, which is impacting turnaround times for results.
“We are doing our best and we realise that the Scenic Rim does not have optimal facilities,” a spokesperson said.
“We are able to carry out a COVID test at our clinics in Beaudesert with a GP referral, however we ask that they go to a drive through facility where possible.”
Scenic Rim Discount Drug Store initially had a small number of RAT tests in stock which sold within a week once COVID cases started to climb.
Gabby Clark said the pharmacy has ordered more RAT tests but the supplier could not provide a delivery date or price.
Test Requirements
Queensland Health testing requirements as at 6 January 2022 stated people should only get a PCR test at testing and fever clinics if they cannot get a rapid antigen test (RAT) and have COVID-19 symptoms, or are a close contact.
A PCR test is not needed to confirm a positive rapid antigen test (RAT).
