CLOSE contacts of COVID-19 cases in Weipa and Thursday Island are being urged to get tested.
Today (Thursday), Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service CEO Bev Hamerton said a further four new cases had tested positive for COVID on Thursday Island, bringing the total to 12, while there is still just one case in Weipa.
“However, we are awaiting results on a further 132 tests undertaken over the past 24 hours, so case numbers could increase,” she said.
“The individuals on Thursday Island are being managed at their homes with appropriate medical and nursing oversight and monitoring.
“No further details will be provided due to confidentiality.
“The Weipa case has a history of interstate travel. She is double vaccinated and is being managed at home.
“Apart from the flight she took from Cairns to Weipa she had limited contact in Weipa before going straight into isolation and there is minimal risk to the broader community.”
For the Weipa case:
· Close contacts – get tested immediately:
· 29 December – Qantas Flight QF 2480, Rows 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
· Low-risk contacts – only get tested if you have symptoms
· 29 December – Qantas Flight QF2480, all other passengers
Testing is available at the Thursday Island Hospital fever clinic at the Community Wellness Centre from 8 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday if you are a close or casual contact or if you have any symptoms however mild.
In Weipa, testing is available from 8.30 am to 4,30 pm Monday to Friday at the fever clinic at the Community Wellness Centre at Weipa Integrated Health Service if you are a close or casual contact or if you have any symptoms however mild. Please phone 4082 3611 in advance to register.
You should always get tested if you have symptoms, no matter how mild.
Symptoms include: Fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea or lack of taste or smell.
When attending any of our facilities, whether for testing or any other reason, please remember that mask wearing now is mandatory at all health facilities.
Mask wearing also is mandatory in a wide range of venues on a state-wide basis including throughout our region, so please familiarise yourself with the requirements on the Queensland Government website.
Once you’ve had your test, please do the right thing: go straight home and stay there until you receive a negative result.
If you must quarantine at home for two weeks, please ensure you have plans in place for that period. Visit the Queensland Government COVID Ready website for information about how to prepare.
Always remember these tips:
· Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading your illness to others – we’re at the point now where it is likely to be COVID-19.
· Get tested if you have even mild COVID-19 symptoms – then go home and stay home.
· Wash your hands often, with soap or hand sanitiser.
· Wear a mask if you can’t socially distance, or when mandatory masks are required.
· Get the COVID-19 vaccine – including your booster dose when it’s time.
· Check in with the CheckIn QLD app.
If you have been told you are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19, you must quarantine for a prescribed period, depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. More information is available here.
Some useful links:
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-ready
