Why Covid cases are rising in the Wide Bay Burnett

Authorities are warning Wide Bay and Burnett residents to remain vigilant as weekly Covid numbers increase.

Covid is on the rise across the Wide Bay and Burnett, but health services are not reacting with panic.

Residents of the Wide Bay and Burnett are being reminded to be vigilant about Covid heading into the festive season.

The health reminder comes as numbers of weekly cases stack up, with 23 new overnight cases recorded in Bundaberg as of Wednesday, 19 on the Fraser Coast, 12 in Gympie, three in the North Burnett and two in the South Burnett.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Operating Officer Ben Ross-Edwards said increased numbers were part of a state-wide trend.

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“The WBHHS, like the rest of the Queensland, has seen increased risk of Covid-19 transmission, with numbers of positive cases stabilising over the past two weeks,” he said.

“We are particularly conscious that upcoming events such as Christmas and New Year’s are often celebrated with family and community gatherings.

“As with any situation where people will gather in large numbers, the risk of contracting any respiratory illness increases, and we urge the community to follow public health advice.”

Mr Ross-Edwards said numbers of Covid hospitalisations had remained “relatively low and stable” as they fluctuated between five to 10 patients across 11 WBHHS service facilities.

Gympie Hospital. Gympie has continued to record more cases of Covid.

“We have clear response and treatment plans for any Covid hospitalisations and these have not negatively impacted our usual hospital services,” he said.

Mr Ross-Edwards said there had not been any marked increased in people presenting to emergency departments for Covid testing.

Covid cases recorded on November 23

• Bundaberg - 23, up from a seven-day average of three
• Fraser Coast - 19, up from a seven-day average of three
• Gympie - 12, up from a seven-day average of two
• North Burnett - 3, up from a seven-day average of zero
• South Burnett - 2, up from a seven-day average of zero

He encouraged anyone with concerns to check the government’s website on symptoms.

In the event of a Covid outbreak, Mr Ross-Edwards says the health service is ready.

“In line with a larger statewide response, WBHHS has a clear Covid response plan that is implemented in the event of increasing positive Covid cases,” he said.

“Treatment areas, equipment and staffing have all been considered and appropriate supports are in place in the event of the response plan being implemented.”

The community is advised to follow Queensland Health and Public Health Unit advice and log on to the government’s “traffic light advice” page.

“Members of the community can also do their part by ensuring their vaccinations are up to date to reduce the severity of the disease,” Mr Ross-Edwards said.

“Other ways the community can protect themselves include washing their hands regularly, social distancing where possible, and wearing masks when in vulnerable locations including hospitals.”