Covid case numbers climb as testing struggles continue for Townsville and surrounding areas
Townsville’s Covid cases have risen over 400 as the city experiences over 100 confirmed cases since yesterday.
Townsville
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OVER 100 cases have been confirmed within the Townsville Hospital and Health Service area over the last 24 hours.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes announced the new numbers today.
“There were 124 new positive cases confirmed within the last 24 hours,” Mr Keyes said.
“Currently, there are 412 positive cases of Covid-19 in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.”
Of those 412, four are currently being treated within the hospital’s infectious disease ward, which is currently being used to treat positive Covid-19 patients.
The other 408 are remaining quarantined at home, while being supervised in the hospital’s virtual ward.
Testing capabilities around Townsville have struggled to keep pace with demand, with wait times of several hours being reported on Wednesday morning at several of the city’s testing clinics.
“On Monday, January 3, 805 tests were performed across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service,” Mr Keyes said.
“If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested. The 1300 Smiles and Reid Park Covid-19 community assessment clinics are open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.”
Mr Keyes said those with concerns about exposure sights should continue to check Queensland Health’s website for up to date information.
“Keep checking the Queensland Health website for what to do if you were at an exposure venue. If you get a text or phone call from a Queensland Health contact tracer, those instructions take precedence.”
chief health officer John Gerrard said this morning that health authorities understood that receiving a Covid test had become increasingly difficult over the last few days.
He encouraged only those who had Covid-19 symptoms or were close contacts of a confirmed case in a household setting to come forward for testing.
“Symptoms being fever, headache, runny nose, cough, maybe loss of smell, if possible,” Mr Gerrard said.
“If you’re in close contact, if you’re in close contact in quarantine, then you need to get a Covid test on day six.
“Either a PCR or rapid antigen test on day six will allow yourself to be released from quarantine.”
He also encouraged young people who are double vaccinated and only experiencing mild symptoms to stay home in order to avoid putting more pressure on the testing system.
“If you’re a healthy young adult particularly, it will likely be a mild illness if you are sick with those symptoms of Covid 19, assume it’s Covid and stay at home.
“Only consider seeking medical advice or dialing 000 if you’re experiencing major symptoms; breathlessness, chest pain or fainting.”
Originally published as Covid case numbers climb as testing struggles continue for Townsville and surrounding areas
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