Health professionals urge Townsville residents to get vaccinated

Townsville latest Covid-19 scare should be the push residents need to get vaccinated with one doctor saying anyone who thought the city would remain virus free living in ‘lala land’

TOWNSVILLE’S latest Covid-19 scare is a wake-up call the community needed to get their act together and get vaccinated.

The city’s vaccination numbers had almost plateaued, with about a 3 per cent increase in first jabs last week.

While Townsville is expected to hit 50 per cent fully vaccinated next week, the city is seriously starting to drop behind the rest of the state.

Currently, 62.7 per cent of Townsville’s eligible population have received one dose, with 47.3 fully vaccinated.

Covid Testing in Townsville

Now, with a case on the city’s doorstep, medical professionals are urging people not to wait.

The positive case came as a surprise to Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, who said it was “left of field” in the Covid-19 update on Thursday.

She urged people to come forward and get vaccinated because there was no time to wait.

With the aim of being at 80 per cent by Christmas so Queensland residents visit family across the border.

Townsville GP Dr Michael Clements said health professionals had been waiting for a case to crop up in Townsville.

“You have to wonder – would we be locked down if there wasn’t a rugby league grand final on the weekend,” he said.

While Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said with tighter restrictions, vaccination rates up and people checking in, there was no need to move into lockdown yet.

“Let me make it very clear that the health of Queenslanders comes first and as soon as Dr Young says we need to move into lockdown, we will,” she said.

CORONA COLUMN

But Dr Clements said Townsville had one of the worst vaccination rate state, and Queensland was one of the worst in the country.

“You can’t take too much comfort from our current vaccination rate,” he said.

The GP said an outbreak in Townsville was not a matter of if, but a matter of when.

“Whether it starts today, or after Christmas, we will find out. It’s going to happen,” Dr Clements said.

He said health professionals on the ground were waiting to see if this case would be the trigger for wider spread of the virus, like in Victoria or New South Wales.

The Chief Health Officer has said evidence of cases being spread in the community, from person to person, could spark the lockdown.

“What I’m really hoping … is this is another warning shot and that this really does motivate people to go and get the vaccination,” Dr Clements said.

“When we see there are over 90 per cent (of people) in NSW and Victoria vaccinated … and living with Covid-19 around them … we know that Townsville can achieve the same thing.”

Covid Testing in Townsville

But Dr Clements said there were still tens of thousands of Townsville locals who had not got around to getting vaccinated.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Medical Officer Niall Small anyone that expected Covid-19 not to spread was “living in lala land”.

He said if people needed a reminder of why they should get vaccinated – today was it.

The THHS-run Community Vaccination Centre will be open every day of the long weekend.

“You can also access vaccinations through pharmacies or GPS, and really, you know, if you haven’t been vaccinated already please take this as an another opportunity to get vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Dr Small said.

The vaccination hub was supposed to be closed on Saturday, but additional staff have been brought in to keep it open for the full weekend.

Covid SHOCK: Infected man in Townsville for past eight days

A GENERAL aviation worker who tested positive for Covid-19 has sparked concern in Townsville after the man spent a week in the city.

The 58 year old was taken to Townsville University Hospital on Thursday about 1am and has since tested positive for Covid-19.

The man has started to experience hayfever-like symptoms.

Townsville and Palm Island residents have been put on stage two restrictions, which include a mask mandate for some situations.

Queensland Health has identified a number of exposure sites, including City Arcade and businesses on Flinders St.

The line up of people to get tested at 1300 Smiles Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Leighton Smith

The man travelled to Townsville for work on September 21 after attending an event on September 21 in Brisbane.

It is this event that is believed to be the event that led to the aviation cluster.

He initially entered came to Australia from Finland, completing hotel quarantine in Melbourne. The man then came to Queensland, staying in Brisbane for a few days before heading North.

The man was working at the Townsville Airport, in one of the smaller hangers.

He has been assisting Queensland Health with contact tracing.

The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has helped set up new testing facilities in Townsville - with the drive through clinic at Reid Park opening on Thursday at lunchtime.

On Friday morning, an additional testing site will open at James Cook University.

COVID-19 Q&A ABOUT THE NEW TOWNSVILLE COVID CASE

TLDMG chairwoman Jenny Hill encouraged anyone who had been at an exposure site at the designated time to get tested.

She also encouraged anyone not feeling well to get tested.

“The sooner we can prove to Queensland Health that Covid isn’t embedded in this community, the sooner we can get back to a more normal existence, and maybe, just maybe, we’re still in the running for the NRL grand final,” Cr Hill said.

“You don't need to panic. We can control this ... through testing and vaccination.”

While the last time Townsville had a brush with Covid-19, the city was thrust into lockdown, Cr Hill said this time the positive case was fully vaccinated and almost asymptomatic.

She added it was possible for the city to be put into lockdown.

“It could happen,” Cr Hill said. “Especially if we don’t follow the rules that are coming into place from four o’clock.

“And also if we don’t go out and get tested to show Queensland Health, the CHO (chief health officer) that Covid-19 isn’t embedded in the community.”

Cr Hill acknowledged the exposure sites took some time to appear on the Queensland Health website, but said health authorities were working though the list.

The chairwoman said the last Covid-19 lockdown had been a good test for the city’s response to an outbreak.

“I think it goes to show here how we work as part of disaster management,” Cr Hill said.

“We do take it seriously, we have good connections in the community, particularly the business community, so we are able to call upon people to assist us in times like this.”

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Police ask for residents to comply

POLICE are ramping up patrols to ensure Townsville residents comply with mandatory mask directions after a man with Covid-19 has been infectious in the community for eight days.

Townsville Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said he was confident people in the community would abide by the new restrictions which come into place at 4pm Thursday afternoon.

“We’ll be out and about ensuring that people are complying with the direction will also be at the testing centres, and the vaccination centre, just to make sure that people have been orderly,” he said.

The new restrictions come after a middle-aged aviation industry worker travelled to Townsville and was infectious in the community for eight days.

He is linked to a cluster which started at an aviation meeting in Brisbane last week.

The man arrived in Townsville on September 21 and was taken to hospital on Wednesday night, where he tested positive for Covid-19.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wasted no time in announcing the city would go back to stage two restrictions, which include capped numbers at houses, in cafes, and a mask mandate.

Superintendent Hanlon said hoped people would get behind the Chief health Officer’s new direction to keep the community safe.

He said police would investigate any reports of breaches.

“This is all about keeping Townsville people safe, it’s all about making sure that no one else gets Delta or gets any other variant of the COVID 19 strain in Townsville.”

Superintendent Hanlon said they would ramp up resources across the city, especially leading into a long weekend.

He advised anyone going away for the weekend must also comply by the restrictions.

UPDATE 11AM: Queensland has recorded six new cases, with one person positive in Townsville.

The Townsville Local Government Area will not go into lockdown, however additional restrictions will be put in place for the next two weeks.

From 4pm today, only 30 people will be allowed in homes, weddings and funerals will be restricted to 100 people with only 20 people dancing at weddings.

This is a return to stage 2 restrictions, which mean indoor cafes and restaurants will return to the 4sqm rule unless they are under 200sqm, in which it will be 2sqm.

The affected LGAs are Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton Bay, Townsville and Palm Island.

FULL LIST OF EXPOSURE SITES

The man is linked to an aviation cluster, which Queensland Health believe started at an event on September 20.

The man, aged 58, is fully vaccinated.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said stage two restrictions were needed in response to the new cases, including a man who has been active in the Townsville community while infectious.

“The next 24-48 hours is absolutely crucial,” the Premier said.

“I’m asking all Queenslanders to check the list of locations, follow the health advice, and please come forward for testing if you have any symptoms at all.

Six lanes were operating for Covid-19 testing at the Willows Sports Complex (1300 Smiles Stadium) on Thursday morning with a queue of vehicles quickly building up. Picture: Supplied.

“And keep doing the things you know how to do so well – wear your masks, check in at venues, wash your hands, socially distance, and stay home if you’re sick.

“Above all, get vaccinated.

“Getting vaccinated will help protect you and your loved ones, and reduce the risk of spread in the community.”

chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said there were currently 22 active cases in Queensland.

“Our contact tracers are doing a brilliant job of tracking where these cases have been in the community.

“They work around the clock to achieve the best possible outcome for all Queenslanders and they will continue to do so for these additional cases.

“There is a raft of processes that occur during contact tracing, and it’s not quick or simple. Locations go up as soon as they have gone through all of the checks and balances.”

The exposure sites for Townsville are expected to be available at midday.

For the full list of restrictions, see below.

INITIAL: TOWNSVILLE could be the verge of lockdown after a Covid-19 positive case was detected in the community last night.

The man who has tested positive for Covid-19 is understood to have been in the Townsville community for eight days.

Multiple sources have told the Townsville Bulletin the 58-year-old male is in the Townsville University Hospital infectious disease unit after he was transferred from the Hotel Grand Chancellor in the early hours of this morning.

The man is understood to have flown into Townsville on September 21, after spending a few days in Brisbane.

It is believed he flew into Queensland from Melbourne.

The man is understood to be asymptomatic.

The case is expected to be addressed during the Queensland Government’s 10am press briefing.

A list of exposure sites will be published as it comes to hand.

This is second case this year detected in the Townsville community after a the city was plunged into chaos on June 29 when it was discovered that a young woman who was positive for the Delta strain of Covid-19 travelled north from Brisbane to holiday in Townsville and Magnetic Island.

Scenes at North Ward Coles after the announcement that Townsville would go into lockdown in June.

The news sparked panic buying in shops and huge queues of people lining up for Covid testing, both in Townsville and on Magnetic Island.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk quickly announced a snap three-day lockdown for the city.

More information to follow.

STAGE 2 RESTRICTIONS

MOVEMENT AND GATHERINGS*

> Up to 30 people in homes (including those who live there) and public spaces. Weddings: Up to 100 people. Max. 20 people can dance.

Funerals: Up to 100 people.

Businesses and venues: (including places of worship, convention centres, retail, dining, gyms, hairdressers, beauty and personal care services etc.)

Allowed to operate with the following restrictions:

> Indoor – 1 person per 4m2 or 75% capacity with ticketed and allocated seating

> Smaller venues up to 200m2 – 1 person per 2m2, up to a maximum of 50

> Outdoor – 1 person per 2m2 > Eating and drinking must be seated

> No dancing except at weddings.

STADIUMS AND INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENTS

> 75% allocated seated and ticketed for stadiums

> Patrons must wear a mask at all times, including when seated.

> Patrons must be seated to eat and drink. Masks can be removed when eating or drinking.

> 75% allocated seated and ticketed capacity for indoor events and outdoor events or 1 per 4m2 indoors and 1 person per 2m2 outdoors.

Community sport: Can recommence in full including training, competition and school sport, spectators in line with stadiums and indoor and outdoor event requirements.

MASKS

You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

Public Transport and ride share: must wear a mask including while waiting for the transport in a public space such as a bus stop, taxi rank or train station.

Outdoors: you must wear a mask when unable to stay 1.5m apart from people who are not part of your household.

Indoors: you must wear a mask in indoor spaces (including workplaces, but not your own home) unless it is unsafe or you can stay 1.5m apart from other people.

Schools: Masks must be worn by teachers and staff (all schools), plus students in high school. Masks must be worn when at stadiums, at an airport, and on a domestic or international flight departing or arriving in Queensland.

Originally published as Health professionals urge Townsville residents to get vaccinated