Covid-19 now a reality in Douglas Shire

Covid-19 update

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated:
GOOD NEWS. The Mowbray Street pop-up clinic will remain open for the remainder of the month says a spokesperson for Queensland Health. IMAGE: Newsport.

What has been feared for some time, is now a reality with Covid-19 making its presence felt and a number of cases have been reported in the Douglas Shire.

Although it is confirmed that the pandemic has affected Port Douglas residents, the health authorities are unable to provide any fixed numbers.

“Given the rising number of cases, we’re unable to continue to provide detailed information on individual cases, clusters and exposure venues, including data breakdowns, beyond what may be provided at the daily Chief Health Officer press conferences or on the Queensland Health website.

“To seek to do so would pull our contact tracers and health experts off the important public health work they are doing for the pandemic response,” said a spokesperson for Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

The spokesperson said any heightened or unique risks to the community will be communicated through press conferences, and social media updates (from Queensland Health and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service).

 
Major outbreak venues

“We will only notify of major outbreak venues or super-spreader events in Queensland. We are no longer routinely listing exposure sites in Queensland since transmission of COVID-19 is now widespread throughout metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland.

“All Queenslanders need to consider any movement through the community as a risk for COVID-19 infection. So, make sure to maintain social distancing, perform regular hand hygiene, monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you develop any symptoms.”

The spokesperson said as for testing, the Mowbray Street pop-up clinic is still open, and likely to remain open for the remainder of the month.

The CHHHS could not advise if anyone had been hospitalised, and if so, how many and whether anyone is in ICU, or on ventilators. They did not say if anything was being planned for the shire now that the virus is here.

Testing is also available at Mossman Hospital. Check testing locations and times on the website: www.qld.gov.au/health/covid19/testing 


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