Anti-coronavirus rally organised for Dalby
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AN ANONYMOUS organiser is calling on Dalby residents to gather and protest the coronavirus-induced lockdown restrictions this weekend.
It is understood flyers have been distributed throughout Dalby and stuck to windshields of parked car.
Despite having no contact details of the organiser listed, the flyer calls on locals to rally at the Dalby War Memorial site by the pool at dawn on Saturday, August 5, "to stand in solidarity with Victoria and New Zealand against the treasonous lockdowns and against the most un-pandemic in history".
In smaller text, the flyer reads, "Our beloved ANZACS did not die for us so that we may cower like sheep waiting for our shot like locked up animals."
The flyer has sparked concern from the Australian Medical Association, with the organisation's president doctor Omar Khorshid strongly advising against rallies of any type, especially in light of the recent surge of cases in southeast Queensland.
"In the midst of a pandemic, rallies of any type are not a good idea," he said.
"COVID-19 spreads easily in crowds and it only takes one person to pass it on to several others.
"People should look to other ways to express their views, with plenty of options available, including through social media.
"People should always be wary of potential misinformation, particularly on social media.
"The greatest benefit to the community during this pandemic is for people to practise social distancing and good hygiene."
New advice has recommended Queenslanders wear masks when outside, regardless of where they live.
"While the vast majority of COVID-19 infections have been in metropolitan areas, this does not mean rural Australians should be complacent," Dr Khorshid said.
"Rural Australians have less access to medical services, including the intensive support required for COVID-positive patients who suffer serious complications from the virus.
"This makes rural Australians very vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19.
"If you are in a situation where you can't practise social distancing, you should consider wearing a mask."
