COVID-19 Gold Coast: How new QLD cluster will change border rules

A new cluster of COVID-19 cases in Queensland has Gold Coast locals questioning the point of tight border restrictions.

A POTENTIAL outbreak of coronavirus in South East Queensland will have little effect on existing NSW and Qld border restrictions according to the Gold Coast’s leading doctors.

Gold Coast Primary Health Network chair Dr Roger Halliwell said he understands why some locals may be questioning the border closures with NSW, Victoria and ACT if Queensland’s numbers grow, but said having the restrictions had helped with speeding up contact tracing.

“I have asked myself the same question, if we had a major outbreak in the south east corner of Queensland we would be no better off than anywhere else – but in saying that we are not there yet,” Dr Halliwell said.

“I also wouldn’t go as far as saying that borders should reopen if cases spread in Queensland, that is obviously a political decision with many elements to it.

“In Queensland things are looking pretty promising as authorities have been able to chase all the contacts, whereas if we had a continual flow through the border it could be more difficult to chase everyone as quickly.”

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COVID-19 Roger Halliwell and staff at the Burleigh COVID respiratory clinic. Picture Glenn Hampson

The comments come as Queensland recorded two new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday and seven cases on Saturday, all linked to the Brisbane Youth Detention Cluster.

Dr Halliwell said the drop in cases in NSW was also a positive sign for those struggling with border closures.

“There is obviously still concern but we can see it is heading the right direction.”

During the weekend NSW announced a total of 13 new cases, with just one active case in Northern NSW located in Byron Bay.

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President of the Gold Coast Medical Association psychiatrist Dr Philip Morris. Picture: Luke Mortimer

There are currently two active cases on the Gold Coast.

Head of the Gold Coast Medical Association Philip Morris said the border closures were designed to prevent further clusters.

“It is disappointing we have had this outbreak, it is clear that if an outbreak goes on for some time without being detected by authorities a cluster will occur, which is why we need to remain vigilant,” Dr Morris said.

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“Keeping the borders closed reduces the likelihood of outbreaks occurring and reduces the likely situation like Victoria where the state has had to lock down.

“This border closure of the Gold Coast and the state is a necessary limitation at the moment.

“I really do feel for the ­people having their businesses affected because of the problems we are facing.”

Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said it was still to early to tell where the new cluster originated given strict border controls.

“It is reassuring that we have only had those two additional cases, but the next week is absolutely critical,” Dr Young said.