Grounded experimental lessons conceptualised during the COVID-19 pandemic in far North Queensland: a brief talanoa

Abstract

This commentary article will outline my perspectives and experiences as a Pasifika Primary Health Nurse during the pandemic in 2020–2021 who provided COVID-19 Response and Vaccination services, as a team member, to North Queensland families. The geographical locations of vaccination and screening clinics are highly represented by Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders populations. Several Māori and Pasifika people work in these locations and accessed these clinics for vaccinations. During lockdown, the active management by the Department of Health and Aged Care in the Australian Government in its efforts to control an outbreak of COVID-19 at Australian borders was immediate. Despite four deaths of people who had travelled to Wuhan, Australia avoided an outbreak of the novel Wuhan virus.

As a way forwards, further research is needed to encapsulate the nuances and capture qualitative data and implications, such as co-developing simple, effective, and culturally safe training workshops with marginalised communities. Information related to data pertaining to COVID-19 of Queensland Indigenous and Māori Pasifika peoples is limited. Yet, data is essential to understand the true impact of COVID-19 amongst a vulnerable community to ensure access and future preparations for resources and service delivery during future pandemics.