New Covid-19 strain sparks fourth wave in Far North
A RISING number of Covid-19 patients is already presenting to Far North health professionals, amid warnings of waining immunity and the announcement of a fourth wave of the virus in the Sunshine State.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health service has recorded an uptick in the number of Covid cases reported in the community.
Pharmacist at McLeod St Medical, Carmen Christensen encouraged people to seek their boosters of the vaccines available as the virus continues to circulate.
“As most people would have had their last booster around January this year we are starting to see that immunity is beginning to wain,” Ms Christensen said.
“Although we’ve had less cases over the last few months we are still getting requests for boosters from people seeking their third and fourth dose so that is positive.”
While some are getting their third or fourth dose of vaccine others are not.
According to recent Australian Government data, just 65.2 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have received their booster shot as of November 2, which is the lowest rate in Australia.
There is a number of patients in the Far North currently hospitalised with the virus, with the potential for more if people fail to take new strains of the virus seriously.
“We currently have six patients diagnosed with Covid-19 in Cairns Hospital, and one in Mareeba Hospital,” a CHHHS spokesperson said.
“Our early indications are that there has been an increase in reported Covid-19 cases in the local community, and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Visitors to health facilities are being urged to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the more vulnerable members of the community.
“Patients, visitors and staff in CHHHS healthcare facilities are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and observe hand and cough hygiene,” the spokesperson said.
“Regardless, if you show any symptoms of being unwell, please do not come into our hospitals where you can potentially expose vulnerable patients.”
The Queensland government’s new traffic light system has now seen a switch from green to amber which comes with recommendations to mask up.
In terms of measures that people can take to keep themselves healthy and virus free Ms Christensen advised people to continue with preventative measures.
“Continue to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask if you are in high density areas or medical settings,” she said.
It is now recommended that Queenslanders wear a mask in indoor settings, public transport, and in hospitals.
The declaration from the premier comes as a new strain of the disease, the XBB strain, originating in Singapore has begun spreading across Australia displaying greater resistance to vaccines.