239 new Covid-19 infections recorded across Central Queensland, vaccination rates increasing

As Covid-19 infection numbers continue to rise in Central Queensland, previously unaffected rural localities are experiencing a case increase.

As Central Queensland recorded 239 new Covid-19 cases overnight, a once unaffected locality in Central Western Queensland has seen numbers rise again.

A fourth case of Covid-19 was confirmed in a person at Blackall, with the new case not connected to the previous Blackall case reported on Wednesday.

In the Rockhampton Regional Council area, 77 cases were detected, 73 in the Gladstone Regional Council area, Livingstone Shire Council recorded 53 cases and there were seven cases in the Banana Shire.

Additionally, one person with a Central Queensland address contracted Covid-19 while elsewhere.

The new Blackall case involves a visiting doctor from the Brisbane region delivering services at the Blackall Hospital and Blackall General Practice.

The doctor learned he was a close contact of a confirmed case in Brisbane and immediately went to his Blackall private accommodation to isolate and was also tested, with the test subsequently returning positive.

There were no close contacts, either among staff or patients, and all safety procedures, including full mask-wearing and personal protective equipment were in use throughout the hospital and general practice.

Both Blackall Hospital and Blackall General Practice are able to continue delivering services unchanged.

There are now three active cases in the Central West, two at Blackall and one at Longreach, all being managed at their home or private accommodation.

To date, four cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the Central West.

The first case, also at Blackall, has since completed their home quarantine and been discharged and is no longer active.

Central West Hospital and Health Service chief executive Mr Anthony West said he could not emphasise the importance of being fully vaccinated and getting a booster when you are due.

“We can't eliminate COVID-19, but we will be better protected when vaccinated, particularly as community transmission increases,” Mr West said.

“While being vaccinated will not prevent you getting COVID-19, vaccination has been proven to reduce the severity of the illness and help keep you out of hospital and, especially, out of intensive care.

“Also wear masks as directed, practice social distancing and good hygiene, including frequent washing of hands with sanitiser and get tested if you have symptoms.

“We are also urging people to rethink their need to be out and about in the community.

“Before going to visit someone who is vulnerable or attending a crowded venue, you should think carefully about the risk posed to yourself and to others.”

At 8am today there were five patients in the Rockhampton Hospital Covid ward in a stable condition.

The total number of residents (percentage) in Central Queensland local government areas who have received two doses are as follows:

– 85.4 per cent – Rockhampton Regional Council

– 85.2 per cent – Gladstone Regional Council

– 84 per cent – Livingstone Shire Council

– 79.8 per cent – Banana Shire Council

– 77.5 per cent – Central Highlands

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the vaccination rates were certainly very pleasing.

“I’m proud of my community for stepping up and getting vaccinated,” Mr Butcher said.

“It’s also critically important now to continue to wear masks indoors, wash your hands thoroughly especially before eating, socially distance where possible and continue to get your first, second and booster shot from our vaccine hub, local gp’s and chemists.”

During January, outreach vaccination clinics are scheduled for everyone aged five years and over at Barcaldine, Alpha, Winton, Boulia and Longreach.

Clinics at other Central West Queensland communities will be advertised soon in local media, as well as the Central West Hospital and Health Service website and Facebook.

The Longreach-based vaccination booking and information call centre is open.