Mr Merlino said the message from Queensland’s health team was that they were “confident they got on top of this early”.He told the press conference things can change “quickly” but said they currently had no advice for Victorians to reconsider Queensland travel plans.He said the health department was in the process of contacting everyone who has arrived in Victoria from Queensland since March 10.Speaking at a presser to mark the removal of Cherry Street level crossing removal in Werribee, the Acting Premier was also pressed on international flights.“We have made no decision on international flights,” he said.“We want flights to resume…it will happen when it’s safe.”Meanwhile, NSW has recorded its first COVID-19 case in 55 days with a hotel quarantine worker testing positive late on Saturday night.Urgent contact tracing is underway after NSW Health revealed “a person who works at two Sydney hotels which provide hotel quarantine for returned travellers” returned the positive infection result.It comes as Victoria recorded no new cases for the 16th consecutive day, with only two active cases statewide. More than 11,000 people were tested on Saturday.HOPES LIFT FOR ‘NORMAL’ SKI SEASONVictorian snow resorts are gearing up for a close to “normal” ski season in 2021 after pandemic shutdowns devastated the $1 billion industry last year.Popular mountains like Falls Creek and Mt Hotham were only open for a matter of days in 2020 as the harsh Melbourne lockdown confined residents to 5km zones.But the resorts are optimistic they will be able to operate as normally as possible amid COVID-safe conditions.Australian Ski Areas Association chief executive Colin Hackworth said Victorian resorts had been open for summer activities and were looking forward to a “big recovery” during the ski season, which officially opens on the June Queen’s Birthday long weekend.“Of course, the safety of staff and guests remains highest priority, and our industry was among the first to implement a COVID-safe plan,” he said.“The resorts are very well experienced and can quickly adapt their operations to meet any challenges.”Mr Hackworth said it was still to early to say how social distancing rules might affect lift operations and other resort activities.“Skiing is an outdoor activity, and international experience has shown the risk of virus transmission outdoors is very low,” he said.“Skiers and snowboarders have real reason to feel optimistic as resorts work as hard as they can to welcome them back.”Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management CEO Mark Bennetts said it had been great to see so many people visiting the High Country in recent weeks.“With our two snow factories ready to start making snow in April, we’re working hard to be ready to welcome guests back to Mt Buller and Mt Stirling this snow season,” he said.“We expect demand to be high this year, and encourage people to book early so that they won’t miss out on all the fun and excitement of a snow holiday.”Resorts are yet to release details on ski lift prices as they are awaiting guidance from the state government on health and operational rules in coming weeks.Falls Creek is freezing the $375 price for its “early bird” resort entry season permit if a deposit is paid by March 29 and the balance by April 15.The resort’s CEO Stuart Smythe said that 2020 had been very tough, but resort guests had been very understanding and supportive given the circumstances.“So freezing prices and increasing flexibility is a small gesture of thanks,” he said.“We can’t wait to see everyone back in the resort this season although we are mindful that government health directives may still be in place and followed by visitors.”About 10,000 jobs depend on the state’s snow tourism industry.john.masanauskas@news.com.au
Powered by WPeMatico
