Queensland records 62 new cases in past 24 hours, taking state total to 555

Queensland has experienced an alarming spike in new coronavirus cases, with 62 in the past 24 hours, taking the state’s total to 555. One patient is in intensive care.

QUEENSLAND has recorded 62 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, taking the state’s total to 555.

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One person, believed to be a man in his 60s, is in the intensive care unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

So far, 13 Australians have died from the novel coronavirus, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December. All have been elderly and at least four had been on cruise ships in the days before they died.

The increase comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces new rules for those returning to Australia as the virus will take “lives and livelihoods”. Defence Force personnel will also be doing compliance checks.

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WEDDING GUESTS, STAFF EXPOSED

SUNSHINE Beach Surf Club has issued a statement after 80 wedding guests and staff were exposed to a person who has since tested positive to coronavirus.

On Wednesday afternoon, Queensland Health contacted the club as to a possible “low level risk” to patrons who attended the club on March 14 and 15.

The department sought information from the club regarding the layout of the venue, walls, dividers and bathrooms.

Staff and wedding guests who attended Sunshine Beach Surf Club on March 14 and 15 have potentially been exposed to COVID-19.

Also the names and contacts of any staff that could have come into contact with this person, which the club willingly complied.

In the statement, the club said the following advice.

“On Saturday, March 14, a visitor to the region attended a wedding reception in our function room,” the statement reads.

“He/she also had lunch the next day on one of our desks between 12.30 and 2pm.

“Queensland Health has contacted all 80 of the wedding guests and none had reported illness.

“None of our staff have reported illness to us or the department.

“Queensland Health indicated that the wedding guests and relevant staff should self-isolate until Saturday, March 28 and monitor their health.”

Queensland Health’s initial alert read:

The person visited the following venues, while unknowingly infectious, at the following times:

– Land and Sea Brewery: The Noosa Beer Company, Noosaville – Friday March 13 from 1-3pm

– Sum Yung Guys Restaurant, Sunshine Beach Friday March 13 from 6.45-8.45pm

– The Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Sunshine Beach – Saturday March 14, from 3.45-11.30pm and Sunday March 15 from 12.30-2pm

Queensland Health is calling for people who attended these locations during these times to monitor their health for 14 days from the listed dates, and see a doctor immediately if they develop any symptoms.

STRANDED DOCTORS ON THEIR WAY HOME

DOZENS of Queensland doctors stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of South America are on their way home after making emergency flights out of the Falkland Islands, according to the ship’s operator.

The doctors – many with roles which will place them on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus — had been on a medical conference cruise since late February, but had been left stranded last week when South American countries shut their borders.

However, their ship, the MS Roald Amundsen, set sail for the Falkland Islands.

On Friday morning, cruise ship company Hurtigruten issued a statement saying the last of the voyage’s 378 passengers were now on their way to their home countries.

Up to 30 Queensland doctors, and a handful of dentists, will still have to spend 14 days in quarantine once they return home.

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There were no outbreaks of COVID-19 on board the ship.

Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjelda said the company had been committed to getting passengers safely home.

“As the global effects of the pandemic hit the entire travel industry, we made a firm promise to our guests: We will do everything in our power to get you safely home. As the guests of MS Roald Amundsen have disembarked and are on their way home, we have fulfilled this promise,” he said.

The Courier-Mail attempted to contact Queensland passengers from the ship on Friday morning, but it is believed they are already on flights.

FLAGS DOWN IN BID TO SEPARATE SWIMMERS

LIFESAVERS will not have flagged areas for swimmers from Saturday in a bid to keep beachgoers from congregating too close.

Lifesavers will instead retreat to their surf club towers and only provide “surveillance” in a bid to keep volunteers and the public safe from COVID-19.

“There is no requirement for placement of red and yellow flags on the beach to mark the designated swimming area,” SLSQ president Mark Fife and chief executive officer Dave Whimpey said in a statement emailed to members.

“This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, while also seeking to limit the number of people congregating within a confined space between the flags.”

“In light of current events, the Board of SLSQ and the State Lifesaving Committee have agreed that all beach patrols and lifeguard services across Queensland will revert to a surveillance service from Saturday, 28 March 2020.

“This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, while also seeking to limit the number of people congregating within a confined space between the flags.

“These are challenging times for us all, and we appreciate the continued support of clubs, branches, and members across Queensland.”

SLSQ General Manager of Lifesaving Kaitlyn Akers said despite the changes lifesavers will still be on beaches ready to respond.

“While there will be no flagged designated swimming areas, lifesavers will remain on our beaches on a surveillance patrol,” she said.

“Surf lifesavers will continue to be actively advising beachgoers of warnings and performing preventative actions, to ensure beachgoers safety.

“We ask members of the public reconsider their need to visit our beaches and avoid swimming for their own safety.”

Ms Akers said the decision was made in the interest of public safety and member welfare.

“This decision has been made in line with the warnings against the congregation of crowds, due to the likelihood of crowds occurring in flagged designated swimming areas on our beaches,” she said.

“We encourage the public to follow government direction to stay home and practice social distancing.”

Rescue equipment will remain on the beach ready to perform rescues and respond to incidents if required.

All operation support services continue to operate and emergency response groups will remain on standby to respond to any major incidents.

SLSQ will continue to work with the Queensland Government, local councils and health authorities during this time, and will provide updates as the situation continues to develop.