As COVID-19 cases rise quickly in most states and territories, how the pandemic will impact grey nomads and other travelers are bound to shift.
With the nation’s overwhelmed testing capacity, it’s fair to say that those traveling from states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland must think the virus is everywhere.
What is interesting to observe in the coming months and weeks is how camping grounds and caravan parks react to the changing conditions.
According to a report, guests at Torquay Caravan Park in the Fraser Coast have been offered refunds after a COVID-19 positive case has been identified at the park.
The information was confirmed by Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour, who said that the guest was being isolated from the site under the directions by Queensland Health.
“Remaining guests are being advised and being offered refunds if they choose to leave,” Seymour said in an interview.
“Bookings have been put on hold pending advice from Queensland Health. We are in a very different stage of the pandemic now. Covid is in the community.”
Seymour said that getting vaccinated reduces the risk of hospitalization and death.
“We need to act in a way that looks after those around us, particularly the vulnerable,” he said. “This includes wearing masks and maintaining social distance in public,” Seymour added.
Currently, each caravan park might have distinct COVID-19 policies based on the territory or state they operate in, as well as personal management decision-making.
Some parks, for instance, exclude guests who have not been vaccinated, while some exclude them from specific areas of the park.
It’s not only about whether the guests are vaccine-free or not. Covid is changing and will continue to transform, the report continued.
On its website, BIG4, a network of holiday parks located throughout Australia, provides a variety of conditions for entry into its holiday parks within New South Wales.
According to the announcement, anyone with respiratory symptoms or fever (>37.5degC), even if they only have mild symptoms, must advise staff, get tested for COVID-19, and isolate until they have received their result.
In Queensland, parks such as BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park have installed “sneeze screens” in the reception area and shop and now allow guests to check-in without leaving their car.
“Guests must abide by safe respiratory hygiene, including avoiding touching your face and ensuring you cover your mouth and nose when you cough and/or sneeze with either a tissue that you dispose of immediately after use or your bent elbow and then washing your hands,” the park said.
“Please refrain from shaking hands or touching anyone outside of your booking party.”