COVID-19 update: October 21

Published 10:46am 21 October 2021

An unvaccinated Gold Coast Uber driver who was in the community for more than a week tested positive to COVID-19 yesterday.

The news comes as nine Moreton Bay Region High Schools prepare to open as vaccination clinics for the Super Saturday vaccination blitz.

The new case has prompted a stern warning from Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young for anyone who has visited the Gold Coast since October 11 to get tested, no matter how mild their symptoms.

Dr Young says the man, in his 30s, is so sick he cannot communicate with health authorities about the places he may have visited.

Use QR check-in app

She says he is believed to have returned to Broadbeach from Melbourne on October 10, and was likely to have been infectious since October 9.

“I need people to use the QR Code – this gentleman has not used his since the 18th of September, so it’s really difficult to work out where he’s been.

“He started to develop symptoms on the 11th of October and became increasingly unwell.

“We don’t have venues (he visited) at this stage because he is so sick, he is having difficulty communicating.”

Dr Young has renewed her calls for people to get vaccinated, saying the community only has 10 days to get their first dose so they are fully vaccinated and protected when the state’s borders reopen on December 17.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced 100 schools across the state will open as vaccination hubs from 8am-2pm on Saturday and urged people to take advantage of the opportunity.