Premier provides latest on new coronavirus cases in Queensland

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer says it’s “really, really important” that anyone with any respiratory symptoms comes forward and gets tested for COVID-19. It comes after five new cases overnight and a slight decline in test numbers.

FIVE new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Queensland overnight as the state continues to flatten the curve.

Among the five cases, there were three from interstate that will be added to Queensland’s tally, as well as one from the Gold Coast and another in Brisbane who contracted the virus through their household.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said authorities were still tracking down how the Gold Coast case contracted the virus.

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“It is important to recognise that we are still getting the occasional case,” Dr Young said.

“It’s so important that people wherever possible maintain that 1.5 metre distance.

“We have seen a slow decline in the number of people coming forward to be tested, and I’m sure that’s just because we’re not seeing respiratory illness in our community.

“But definitely if you’ve got any symptoms at all, this is really, really important … don’t stay home, come forward and get tested.”

Currently, there are 57 active cases of coronavirus in Queensland, including nine patients who are in hospital. Four are in intensive care.

More than 1000 people have been tested for the virus in the past 24 hours, which means there have now been over 110,000 tests since the outbreak began earlier this year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said everything was looking “bright here in Queensland”.

“Our testing rates are still going well,” she said.

“That’s wonderful news to hear that we are really flattening that curve so thank you Queensland for everything that you’re doing.”

Health Minister Steven Miles encouraged anyone with respiratory symptoms to get tested immediately.

“It’s easy, it’s free and there are a lot of places where you can get tested and we would encourage anyone with any kind of respiratory symptoms to go get tested,” he said.