Gold Coast Covid: What are the restrictions? How do I get tested?
Health experts fear the Gold Coast is “on the verge of a full blown outbreak”, leading to some stripping shopping centre shelves. LATEST >>>
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HEALTH experts fear the Gold Coast is “on the verge of a full blown outbreak”, leading to some stripping shopping centre shelves.
EARLIER
Three new cases of Covid were diagnosed in Queensland on Monday, including a case of the Delta variant which chief health officer Janette Young says is highly infectious and only takes “five seconds to potentially acquire”.
“I feel we are on the verge of a full blown outbreak, and we must get back to basics and follow health advice which is get tested if you’re unwell or have been in an exposure site,” said Dr Sonu Haikerwal, of the Upper Coomera Respiratory Clinic.
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“We are not going to eradicate this virus, and we just need people to roll up their sleeves and have their vaccination, whether it’s the Pfizer or AstraZeneca.
“This week will be crucial, and even before the Brisbane cases we doctors knew that it was coming. All I hope is that people don’t end up in ICU.”
Last week Dr Haikerwal administered 1200 doses of both vaccines and she expects to deliver 1600 this week. Each week she gets 900 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
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The Gold Coast has the second highest number of vaccinations, with a total 37,494 vaccines had been administered as of May 31. The Metro North area – covering Brisbane, Caboolture, Redcliffe and Kilcoy – had administered 55,612 in the same time period.
The Gold Coast has an estimated population of more than 710,000, meaning just five per cent of residents have been vaccinated.
Meanwhile, queues at testing clinics across the Gold Coast are growing with locals waiting up to three hours on Saturday at the Robina Hospital fever testing clinic.
A woman who returned a negative test, 28-hours after being tested, was told by the person managing the clinic that it hadn’t been “this busy in months and it’s because of the Sydney outbreak”.
“I had to get a Covid test because I’m unwell with a cold and can’t see a doctor or get over the counter relief until I’ve returned a negative test,” said the person, who did not want to be named.
Dr Kat McLean said in addition to staying home if unwell and wearing masks, residents should be mindful of ventilation, choosing outside activities over indoor ones where possible.
“In the car, if someone is unwell, wind the windows down a little and set the aircon to allow fresh air in, not recirculate the air. Fresh is best. Think of Covid as your would cigarette smoke,” she said.
“Don’t wait, get tested at the very first signs of being unwell, even kids as we’ve seen a number of children become infected in the past few weeks.
“If you’re eligible please access a vaccine and remember it’s the second dose that really gives you the most benefit.
“We know we still have about 30 per cent of our vulnerable over 70s and a significant proportion of our indigenous population who haven’t let been immunised, we must reach out to these groups.
“We know immunisations are saving lives and really the key to moving out of the pandemic.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate urged Gold Coasters to “step up and wear a mask”.
“It’s an inconvenience and personally, it’s uncomfortable but if it helps keep you, your family and our business communities safe, let’s do it,” he said.
Robina GP and General Practice Gold Coast member Dr Lisa Beecham reminded residents to keep checking the Queensland Health site for hotspots and exposure sites.
“The vaccine is so important, we need everyone to be vaccinated,” she said.
“Also we must keep social distancing and hand washing, it’s now more important than ever.”
Wait for Pfizer jab on Coast could be “several days or weeks”
June 20 , 2021
DEMAND for the Pfizer Covid-19 jab is outstripping supply, with some Gold Coast residents having to travel to Logan or Rocklea to secure a shot.
A woman in her 40s, waiting for her second dose, was told by the Covid-19 hotline there were others in Queensland “struggling” for their second appointment.
She had her first shot on June 6 and must have her second dose between June 27 and July 18. But despite searching online for a local appointment, she’s been unable to find one.
“I’ve taken an appointment in Rocklea but will probably try and walk-in somewhere close to home before that,” she said.
Another Gold Coaster had to book a Pfizer jab in Logan because there was no local availability.
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The Upper Coomera Respiratory Clinic is monitoring its supply of the Pfizer vaccine, it currently receives 250 doses a week but has been approved for 900.
“I know the demand is outstripping supply at the moment. We are counting our doses so we have enough for the second doses for those who have had the first one with us,” said practice owner Dr Sonu Haikerwal.
“Now with people between 50-60 needing Pfizer too it’s only going to get worse before it gets better.”
Last week health authorities restricted the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 60s, and it’s understood the federal government has guaranteed a second dose supply for Queensland.
It’s recommended the second Pfizer dose is given between 21-42 days after the first.
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A Queensland Health spokesperson confirmed it was experiencing high demand across the south east, with many locations fully booked and not accepting walks-ins.
“We continue to encourage people to register their interest. Registering your interest is the fastest way to make an appointment,” they said.
“Once registered, you will be sent an invitation to book an appointment in your local area when an appointment becomes available.
“Dependent on your priority status and demand in your region, you may receive an invitation to book within 24 hours or it may take several days or weeks to receive your invitation.
“You may need to wait longer to book at the locations closest to you, if they are experiencing higher demand.
“Appointments for second doses are generally booked when you attend your first dose appointment (regardless of priority status), however you can later change your booking through the online system if you need to.
“Our end goal is to vaccinate as many Queenslanders as possible. Everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to get vaccinated. Nobody will miss out.”
To register your interest, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings
‘STAY CALM, GET VACCINATED’: COAST GPS ON Covid JAB BACKFLIP
June 18,
STAY calm and get vaccinated.
That’s the plea from Gold Coast GPs as the federal government’s messaging around the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine changes – again.
“We GPs are bracing ourselves for another tsunami of questions, confusion and vaccine hesitancy,” said Dr Sonu Haikerwal, from the Upper Coomera Respiratory Clinic.
“The messaging has been very disappointing throughout with this vaccine rollout.
“There is no good or bad vaccine. You will get what you are eligible for.”
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It comes as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the AZ vaccine for over 60s only because of rare blood clotting side effects.
But according to Gold Coast Primary Health Care director Dr Lisa Beecham, the risk of clots from AZ is still small in those aged 60 and over, about 0.2 per 100,000.
“This is smaller than the risk of a fatal car crash which is 4-5 per 100,000 – we accept this risk every day when we drive a car.
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“If you catch Covid and you are over 60 you have a higher chance of going to hospital and death, so get vaccinated.”
For those who are under 60, Pfizer is now the recommended Covid vaccination.
Dr Kat McLean said residents must have their second AZ dose, saying there was no recommendation in Australia to combine doses.
“The risk appears much lower for the lower doses,” she said.
“Please be kind to your GP clinic teams, we are doing our absolute best. Information is only flowing through to us as it hits the media. We don’t get any forewarning.”
Dr McLead urged Gold Coasters confused with the messaging to make an appointment with their GP.
“We understand the anxiety and can help patients work out what is the best approach for them. The science is complex but communication risk is something GPs have considerable expertise in.
“We must remember that doing nothing also comes with its own risk.”
BACK ‘WITH GUSTO’: COAST WARNED OF HORROR FLU SEASON
June 8, 2021
HEALTH experts fear a spike in flu cases across the Gold Coast this winter as vaccination numbers dwindle and residents stop social distancing and slacken in their hygiene practices.
It comes after 2061 people, including aged and disability care workers, were vaccinated at the Gold Coast University Hospital’s Pfizer vaccination hub on Saturday and Sunday.
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Gold Coast Medical Association president Dr Philip Morris said there were only a handful of cases of the flu in 2020 because everyone kept their distance, washed their hands and many people wore masks.
“People were social distancing so the virus didn’t spread. But now people are acting as if Covid-19 doesn't exist so it’s likely the flu will come back with gusto this year,” he said.
“We need everyone to continue to get the flu vaccine, in addition to the Covid-19 vaccine. Now is the time, not at the end of the flu season.”
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Medical on Miami and Burleigh Cove Respiratory Clinic managing director Heather McLellan-Johnson said FluTracking data showed there had been a 30 per cent reduction in those having a flu shot compared to last year.
“Meanwhile, only 66 per cent of Australians aged 65 and older have had their flu jab, compared with close to 90 per cent at the same time a year ago,” she said.
“We haven’t been hit by the influenza season yet, it’s coming any minute. After all the work we have done, this is civilly irresponsible.”
Ms McLellan-Johnson said 2019 was the worst flu season on record, with more than 310,000 people presenting to hospital and health services nationwide. This was seven times higher than Australia’s previous 18-year average.
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“Rhinovirus, or the common cold, has the same symptoms as Covid. It’s important to get tested if you have cold and flu symptoms. Stay home if you are not well.”
“There could be another outbreak in QLD – especially as we approach school holidays when so many people are out and about.
“Just because we don’t have community transmission, it doesn’t mean Covid is over.
Ms McLellan-Johnson said recently walked into a shop at Robina and there was no hand sanitiser at all.
“We are still in a pandemic. We are also putting ourselves at risk with the slow vaccine supply and delivery,” she said.
Meanwhile, a Gold Coast Health spokesperson said while Covid-19 vaccinations were available to “walk ins” at the university hospital and the Albert Waterways Community Centre in Broadbeach, people should expect “very long waits” so registering online was preferable.
“Once people make an appointment, they will receive a QR code via email. People should wear a short sleeve shirt to their appointment and bring their booking confirmation, Medicare card and photo or employee ID if relevant.”
People should also bring information about any medical conditions they have, medications they’ve taking and information vaccines they’ve had recently.
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