The pandemic lockdown has affected most of us in many ways but spare a thought for Delphina Miles and Frank Banjo.
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The couple live on a property near Doomadgee but have been forced to stay in Mount Isa since February, with Doomadgee remaining a pandemic declared area.
Ms Miles had a medical condition that required treatment and hospital care in Mount Isa while her partner Mr Banjo accompanied her.
Kerry Major, who is a community support person for Delphina said that after her treatment she was kept in quarantine in accommodation in Mount Isa.
:"Delphina is finished with her hospital care and she just wants to return home to Doomadgee," she said.
"Many others have come down here and been flown home within a week but Delphina is frustrated she has been stuck her for five months and she wants to know why she has been treated differently."
Ms Miles told the North West Star she finished her medical treatment three weeks ago but still did not know when she was due to go home having spoken to Queensland Health, Gidgee Healing and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council.
"I'm the longest patient that has come down and is still here," she said.
"We just want answers. We even tried Bob Katter's office but he wasn't in town," she said.
"We can't get any answers and we don't know who to go to," Mr Banjo agreed.
"Other people as soon as they get the green light from the doctor, they are gone."
The process appears convoluted and often those affected do not realise they are breaking quarantine when they do essential shopping for items in Mount Isa that are unavailable in Doomadgee.
Ms Major said it didn't help that the COVID-19 exemption forms for Normanton, Doomadgee and Mornington were all different.
Queensland Health said they were unable to comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality
"We understand this can be a stressful and anxious time for many, but these processes are in place to ensure our most vulnerable community members remain safe and healthy during the global COVID-19 pandemic," a spokesperson said.
We have also contacted Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council for comment.
The North West Star understands the couple are due to be placed on a flight back to Doomadgee on Tuesday, June 9.
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