Huge spike in Gladstone Covid cases

Gladstone has recorded a huge spike in Covid cases as community members share their exposure sites.

Lachlan Berlin

2 min read

January 9, 2022 - 9:55PM

Covid testing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Gladstone

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Gladstone has recorded a significant spike in Covid cases as authorities announce the actual amount of active Covid cases in the community is likely much higher than what’s reported.

There were 108 confirmed cases in Central Queensland in the past 24 hours, CQ Health has confirmed.

Of these, 11 are from Rockhampton, 66 from Gladstone, 13 from Livingstone Shire, two from Central Highlands and 16 Central Queensland residents from elsewhere.

Two people are in hospital as at 8am.

Vaccinations are continuing to be administered across the region and 1163 were delivered on January 4.

The real number of Covid cases across the state, including Central Queensland, could be ‘significantly higher’ than what’s reported, according to authorities.

This is due to people not being tested or undergoing RAT tests at home.

Currently, there are 353 active cases in the region.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Covid numbers will continue to rise.

“Today it’s Gladstone tomorrow it could be in another town, it’s now important to get your booster if due and even more important to get your first or second,” Mr Butcher said.

“People must continue to wear masks and treat every person they come in contact with as if the could have the virus.

“Gladstone residents have done an amazing job of getting vaccinated and have been getting tested when necessary, people certainly are concerned with increasing numbers and are getting vaccinated and tested which is great.”

But following rumours of ‘Covid parties’ where unvaccinated people gather to build their immunity; Mr Butcher warned against them.

“If anyone unvaccinated thinks that going out and getting the virus purposely is going to build their immune systems then they are certainly playing a dangerous game,” he said.

“I would hope that this is just a rumour as I know that the people of Gladstone are more responsible than this.”

Mr Butcher thanked the staff at the vaccine clinic, the Gladstone hospital, local GPs and chemists.

RAT shortages

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga posted on Facebook that there was a shortage of rapid antigen tests in Central Queensland.

“I’m really pleased that the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that free RATs will be available from major testing clinics across Queensland from tomorrow, which is great news,” she said.

Meanwhile, another Blackall resident has tested positive to Covid, making them the third case in the Central West.

A case in Longreach was recorded on January 4 and a now-discharged case was recorded before Christmas in Blackall.

“I want to remind Central West residents our emergency departments and emergency services are there for just that – emergencies,” CWHHS chief executive Anthony West said.

“If anyone has severe symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness, they should absolutely call for an ambulance.”

He said the Central West’s travelling vaccination clinics would resume on January 6.

“From 10 January, the vaccination clinics also will be offering Covid–19 vaccinations to children aged from five to 11 years, in line with national recommendations,” he said.

“The dose is one-third of the dose approved for those aged 12 and over and should be administered in two doses at least eight weeks apart.”

Exposure sites currently known in Central Qld

Community members have recently set up new Facebook groups to share exposure sites, following the Queensland Government ceasing to do so.

Here are the sites where Covid-positive people have recently visited: