Gold Coast home to 25% of state’s virus cases, nine new cases confirmed

Another hike in coronavirus cases have been confirmed on the Gold Coast, making the city one of Queensland’s worst hot spots.

CORONAVIRUS cases on the Gold Coast have jumped yet again with a nine new cases confirmed this afternoon.

The Gold Coast’s total number of confirmed cases has now reached 47 – making up 25 per cent of the state’s cases announced to date.

Health authorities have today confirmed 40 new cases across Queensland, with the total now reaching 184.

The jump follows a record increase of 50 cases announced yesterday.

A security guard patrols the area outside the Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture: AFP.

The increase in cases was followed by a strong message to Queenslanders to stay at home this weekend.

“The only tools we have to reduce the spread of this disease are reducing the contact with people who have it,” Health Minister Stephen Miles said.

“This is not a weekend to go out. Spend the weekend relaxing at home enjoying the Queensland weather and reducing the number of people you have contact with.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said a vaccine for the virus has not been developed.

“We don’t have a vaccine but what we do have is 5 million Queenslanders who always come together,” Chief Health officer Jannette Young said.

“If you have been asked to go into quarantine, that means going home for 14 days and not having visitors and not leaving home.”

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The announcement follows a raft of strong social isolation measures put in place today by the state and federal government.

This includes a new four square metre rule for gatherings of less than 100 people.

Family and friends will also be stopped visiting Queensland prisoners as of Monday, and access will be restricted to some indigenous communities.

Queensland Health is urging anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days and has a fever or any respiratory symptoms to see a doctor immediately. The public are advised to call ahead to the GP surgery and let them know your symptoms and travel history.