GP Dr Michael Clements said the region “dodged a bullet” but warned residents they should not become complacent.

A leading GP has warned residents they shouldn't become complacent after the city’s three-day lockdown was lifted on Friday.

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TOWNSVILLE residents have breathed a sigh of relief after yesterday’s announcement that no new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the community.

GP Dr Michael Clements said the region “dodged a bullet” but warned residents they should not become complacent.

“We should expect it will come back in the future,” Dr Clements said.

Nurse Samantha Dymock gives Joyce West her Covid vaccine on Friday. Photo: Supplied.

He told the Townsville Bulletinthis week’s scare had led to a “positive and meaningful change” in attitudes towards getting vaccinated after a “significant number” of people in Townsville and Magnetic Island received a vaccine.

On Thursday, 771 doses of vaccine were administered in Townsville, bringing the region’s total number of vaccines administered in the region to 34,207.

Dr Clements encouraged residents to continue their “enthusiasm” and said “the only way people can be confident is if we all get vaccinated”.

“The upside of the scare is North Queensland became alert to the risk,” Dr Clements said.

Dr Clements said it was frustrating to learn not everyone had access to the vaccine recommended for them due to supply constraints.

He reiterated the advice that people under the age of 60 should receive the Pfizer vaccine, and if they were contemplating AstraZenica, to talk to their doctor.

Originally published as GP Dr Michael Clements said the region “dodged a bullet” but warned residents they should not become complacent.