COVID-19 Update: Keep getting tested

Health Minister and Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath has praised Queenslanders for their willingness to be tested for COVID-19, saying testing is helping prevent the spread of the disease.

Speaking at a press conference at Redcliffe Hospital this morning, Mrs D’Ath says 25,837 people were tested yesterday and just three new cases identified.

Two of those were acquired overseas, while the third is linked to the northside cluster, which began with a nurse from the PA Hospital.

“He was a close contact in relation to the northside cluster,” Ms D’Ath says.

“He has been in quarantine since March 27, his first test was negative but he is now positive.”

There are now 74 active cases of COVID-19 across the state.

Quarantine the key

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young says the locally-acquired case identified yesterday shows the importance of the quarantine process in preventing the spread of the disease.

“He’s been in quarantine for the entire infectious period – we have over 2000 people in quarantine from the cluster.”

Dr Young says while the list of venues visited by those associated with the clusters continues to grow, it should provide comfort to the community because it allows people to identify whether they have been near a venue.

She is concerned about the COVID-19 situation in Papua New Guinea, where the disease continues to spread, but says Queensland’s robust system means there is minimal risk to the state.

Redcliffe Hospital’s intensive care unit has treated a patient from PNG, Dr Young says.

She urges people to continue to be tested if they are experiencing any symptoms, and to monitor the Queensland Health website to stay up to date with exposure sites.

“If you’re unwell or anyone you know is unwell then they should get a test.”

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