Words by Kylie Knight
There have been six new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Queensland but all are connected with the Indooroopilly cluster and all have been in home quarantine for their entire infectious period.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath provided the update from Woody Point Pharmacy this morning.
Today's new cases take the total number of infections connected with the Indooroopilly cluster to 143. There are 165 active cases across the state and more than 22,000 people have had a test in the past 24 hours.
More than 15,000 people have received a vaccine in 24 hours and this number is expected to rise sharply across the weekend, with vaccines available at more locations including 398 community pharmacies in South East Queensland and 980 across the state.
This is in addition to GP clinics and Queensland Health vaccination hubs.
"We know this is a really important step for us to open up our economy and stay safe," Mrs D'Ath says.
She says bookings at Queensland Health clinics are strong with 3000 people to be vaccinated today and the same number to be vaccinated tomorrow.
Deputy Chief Health Officer James Smith says today's numbers are encouraging and it is good to see the six new cases were in home quarantine during their infectious period.
He thanked those families who have been in home quarantine and those 8514 people who remain isolated at home, saying it was tough but essential.
He has also thanked the network of contact tracers for their work in getting on top of the outbreak.
Woody Point Pharmacy owners Steve and Kylie Flavel say they have been surprised by the number of people coming to them for a vaccine - 300 since the doses arrived last Thursday which equates to 70 per day.
People have ranged in age from 18 years to those in their 80s.
Steve says people appreciate being able to walk in for a vaccination, without the need for an appointment. The pharmacy is however taking bookings to streamline its delivery of the vaccine and reduce wait times.
He says the consultation takes about 15 minutes and people are given the necessary information to ensure they are making an informed choice and know what to expect.
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