Relief as threat of virus recedes
A TOWNSVILLE Covid-19 outbreak is still a possibility but the community can breathe a bit easier after no cases of community transmission were detected on Sunday, not only in the city but statewide.
On the day of the NRL grand final, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was ecstatic to deliver the “outstanding” news that despite numerous threats, the Covid-19 virus was yet to get a foothold in the community.
“We have one case in hotel quarantine, and this is tremendous, 18,427 tests have been done in the last 24 hours,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“That means Queenslanders have answered our call to come out and get tested.
“Now, we’re not out of the woods yet, so that means all Queenslanders if you have any symptoms whatsoever, please come out and get tested,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Praising the 19,256 people getting vaccinated on Saturday, Ms Palaszczuk said vaccination was “the key”.
She said 66.96 per cent had had at least one dose and 47.98 per cent of eligible Queenslanders were fully vaccinated.
Queenslanders were urged to continue turning out in droves to roll up their sleeves to get their jabs.
Supporting the vaccination effort was particularly important in Townsville after a
Covid-19 positive man was detected in the community on Thursday. The fully vaccinated aviation worker had visited numerous businesses throughout the Townsville CBD while symptomatic before he presented to the Townsville University Hospital on Wednesday night.
The positive case sparked a surge in demand for drivethrough testing at Willows Sports Complex (1300SMILES Stadium), which was bolstered by testing facilities at James Cook University and Reid Park. Despite the virus not being detected, it still threatens to emerge in the community over the next two weeks. During this time, residents are advised to get tested if they are feeling unwell and to observe stage 2 restrictions.
These include carrying a face mask at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
You must wear a mask outdoors when unable to stay 1.5m apart from people who are not part of your household, and indoors (when not in your own home) unless it is unsafe or you can stay 1.5m apart from other people.