Bundy’s covid test numbers surge by 500 per cent as delta runs rampant in south-east

As the south-east’s delta cluster continues to grow, Bundaberg’s covid testing numbers have grown by almost 500 per cent and Hervey Bay’s by nearly 200 per cent. Here’s where you can get tested.

Covid testing numbers in Bundaberg have surged by almost 500 following the latest outbreak in the south-east.

Bundaberg’s covid fever clinic has seen an almost 500 per cent increase in testing numbers since Saturday as the delta variant continues to spread through the south-east.

It comes as thousands across the state, who live or have been in the south-east since Saturday, have been plunged into lockdown until at least Sunday as health officials try to bring the new outbreak under control.

On Tuesday Queensland recorded 16 new cases, growing the delta cluster to 47.

Bundaberg’s covid fever clinic had just 45 tests on Saturday, but with the new outbreak local testing numbers surged on Sunday to 186.

On Monday that number rose again to 269.

Testing numbers have also surged in the Fraser Coast with Hervey Bay’s fever clinic going from 99 tests on Saturday before surging to 260 tests on Sunday, with a further 281 tests on Monday.

In Maryborough 26 people were tested at the local fever clinic with a slight increase of 34 on Sunday, before testing numbers jumped to 140 on Monday.

As a result of the latest outbreak some events around the region have also been postponed or cancelled.

A roundtable lunch to discuss the region’s opportunities in technology at Bundaberg’s innovation hub, The Generator, has been postponed to September 17.

A glow event which was to be held at the Bundaberg Showgrounds on Friday has also been cancelled.

Meanwhile in Hervey Bay the remainder of the Whale Festival program, including the Seafood Festival, has been called off as well as the Hervey Bay Highschool athletics carnival among other events.

The latest covid outbreak also saw the Ekka cancelled just days out from when it was supposed to begin.

Bundaberg’s fever clinic has reverted to the Hope St entrance, with extra staff on hand to handle the increase in testing.

Symptoms of covid-19 can include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste and a runny nose.

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and get tested.

Click here to find your nearest fever clinic and their opening hours.

You can find out more about current health advice and restrictions by visiting the Queensland Health website.