Dozens of health staff sidelined as fourth Covid wave hits NQ

North Queensland is starting to feel the bite of the fourth Covid wave with 77 health staff struck down by virus. See how doctors plan on handling the influx.

The fourth wave of Covid-19 is starting to impact on North Queensland. Picture: Harry Bruce.

As the fourth wave of Covid-19 sweeps across Australia, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service has assured the community that the region was “well placed” to handle an influx in infections, despite 77 health staff being struck down by the virus.

An Amber Alert was declared by Queensland Health on Saturday, indicating an increased risk of community transmission.

Queensland Health reported 13,632 new Covid cases in the community around the state in the previous seven days from midnight on December 6.

The actual number of infections was expected to be higher given that the data relied on the community to self-report positive RAT results and large-scale PCR testing had ceased.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said Covid had shifted from being a pandemic to endemic, meaning that the disease was spreading in a community at the normal or expected level.

THHS Chief Executive Kieran Keyes. Picture: Shae Beplate.

As of Monday, he said there were 21 inpatients with Covid being treated across the health service, with no patients in the ICU.

“Townsville University Hospital has a 13-bed specialised infectious disease ward as well as 26 negative pressure rooms located across the health service.

“We continue to carefully monitor the situation, to ensure we can remain responsive to any changes in demand with an ability to scale-up capacity if required.”

Much like what was happening in other workplaces, he said staffing numbers in the health service were being impacted by the recent increase in Covid cases.

“(As of Monday), 77 staff from across the health service are furloughed and isolating at home. This group represents about 1.1 per cent of our workforce,” he said.

Visitors to the Townsville University Hospital are encouraged to wear face masks. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Community members still play a role in limiting the spread of the virus. You should wash your hands regularly, stay home when sick and keep up to date with vaccinations.

“As we approach the festive season, it’s important everyone takes precautions to protect

themselves and their loved ones.”

The community can continue to access free RAT kits from a collection point at Kirwan Health Campus from Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.

“As always, vaccination remains your best method for protecting yourself from severe illness. Vaccinations are available at participating GPs and pharmacies,” he said.

Originally published as Dozens of health staff sidelined as fourth Covid wave hits NQ