As Covid cases rise rapidly in most states and territories, the way in which the pandemic is going to affect grey nomads and other travellers is inevitably going to change.
With the speed of the spread of the Omicron seemingly catching the authorities well and truly by surprise, rules and regulations that were set in stone just a few days ago are being adjusted and – in some cases – abandoned.
With much of the country’s testing capacity overwhelmed, it is fair to say that travellers in states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland should assume that the virus is all around.
What will be interesting to see in the coming weeks and month is how caravan parks and camping grounds respond to the situation.
One of the first things will be what they do when a positive case is confirmed amongst their guests.
The Fraser Coast Chronicle newspaper reports that visitors to the Torquay Caravan Park in Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast have all just been offered refunds after a Covid case was identified at the park.
The news was confirmed by Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour, who said the guest was isolating off site under the direction of Queensland Health.
Camping might be a little different for a while. PIC MONTAGE: Cizza
“Remaining guests are being advised and being offered refunds if they choose to leave,” Mr Seymour told the Fraser Coast Chronicle. “Bookings have been put on hold pending advice from Queensland Health … we are in very different stage of the pandemic now. Covid is in the community.”
Mr Seymour stressed that being vaccinated significantly decreases the possibility of being hospitalised or death.
“We need to act in way that looks after those around us, particularly the vulnerable,” he said. “This includes wearing mask and maintaining social distance in public.”
As things stand, each caravan park may have different Covid polices depending on the state or territory they operate in, and individual management decisions.
For example, some parks are excluding unvaccinated guests altogether while others are barring them from certain areas of the park.
But it’s not just about whether guests are vaccinated or not. Covid is changing – and continues to change – the way we camp.
On its website, BIG4 lists various conditions of entry to its holiday parks in the state of New South Wales.
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 says. “Please refrain from shaking hands or touching anyone, outside of your booking party.”
Highway 1 Caravan & Tourist Park in Adelaide has isolated its office, you now have to conduct your business through a window. That will help their staff to stay safe, BUT what have they done for their guests, Not a lot, there is the obligatory signs and sanitiser, they do not appear to be bothered whether the incoming guests are double vaxed as they do not have a rule in place that prevents unvaxed people from entering. Its all about the mighty dollar.
It should be made mandatory that all guests be at least double vaccinated. No excuses, if unable to be done for health reasons you should not be out mixing in the general public for your own safety.
100% agree Heather.
Clermont caravan park QLD books you in via phone. Pay your fees over phone. When you arrive all your details are in a envelope with their policies plus key.
We don’t fancy sharing a warm steamy shower block in a caravan park with other campers.
We’ll be doing bush camping exclusively.
Being double vaccinated with a third booster shot helps but it still doesn’t stop you from getting Covid-19.