Tuesday, March 17, 2020

WATERFRONT SHUT DOWNS

 Shipping  Reporter  coronavirus  exclusive

The  outbreak   is affecting operations  at the   busy  Sealink Townsville  ferry  terminal . There  are  numerous  signs related  to  the   virus , including  the  following   one   informing  the   public  that  the tourist  information centre there and  others in the   city  have  closed down until  April 15,  presumably to cater for   the   lead  up  to the  official  April 25   Anzac  Day  observation.
The   commercial  bus  desk  next to  the information office is also  shuttered, seemingly empty , without any explanatory sign . Helpful  advice about how to avoid  spreading  and catching the   virus and what to  do if you have  returned from  overseas   is   displayed    about  the  terminal. 
 
.

A Townsville Bulletin  report  said a private hospital had been busy carrying out coronavirus tests,  but strangely  did not mention the number, which you would think  was  an  obvious fact  to  include ,  a  sharp  Melbourne  sub editor we  know would  have  immediately  asked  why  not . 
 
Several  Townsville  op shops have closed, partly due to protect elderly volunteer staff ;   donations   are  also  not  being accepted .
 
This  blog has sighted a letter  from a  community care  organisation  saying its  CEO has been directed not  come to work  for 14 days following his return from leave  in   Italy  and  is   working   from  home  on the mainland .