WBHHS extends mask mandate at region’s hospitals

A continuing rise in Covid cases at Bundaberg’s hospitals has forced the state to implement tougher measures across the region’s services.

Covid cases are on the rise around Bundaberg prompting the region’s health service to tighten mask rules at its hospitals.

Bundaberg has had 72 reported more Covid cases in the past seven days, up from the recent 10-day average.

The numbers have prompted smaller hospitals in the region to follow Bundaberg Hospital in making masks mandatory on-site.

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“Mask restrictions remain in place at Bundaberg Hospital as a result of an increase in positive Covid-19 patients,” a Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said in a statement.

“Under Queensland Health’s Covid-19 guidelines, masks continue to be mandatory when on the grounds of Bundaberg Hospital and surrounding facilities such as Cancer Care and Oral Health Centre, Mental Health Units and the Margaret Rose Centre.

“Cases of Covid-19 in Gin Gin, Monto and Gayndah hospitals has resulted in the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service also putting a mandatory mask policy in place at these sites from 8am this morning (Wednesday, April 12).

Other WBHHS facilities across the region remain at low risk.

Currently there are 26 confirmed cases at Bundaberg Hospital and a further seven cases at the affected rural sites, though further test results may confirm additional cases.

WBHHS acting chief executive Robyn Scanlan said the additional requirements helped keep staff, patients and the community safe.

“We would like to thank our staff, patients and visitors who have been co-operating with the additional Covid-19 requirements which reduce the risk of transmission,” Ms Scanlan said.

“When cases began to rise last week we expected more positive patients would enter our care this week and we planned appropriately – including for cases at our rural sites.

“The cases that have presented at Gayndah, Monto and Gin Gin has led to our team deciding to place these locations under mask restrictions as well.”

Ms Scanlan said the hospital was prepared for the surge.

“We’re well prepared for an increase in cases thanks to our executive leadership and health emergency operations teams consisting of a diverse mix of experienced doctors, nurses and allied health professionals,” she said.

“Thanks to the diligent planning of this experienced team that lead us through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service continues to safely provide emergency, outpatient, elective surgery and other normal services.”

WBHHS will advise the public of any further change to visitor requirements if they occur.

Originally published as WBHHS extends mask mandate at region’s hospitals