Queensland Health’s misleading data sends panic through region

The Queensland Government had named the Darling Downs as a confirmed Covid-19 location in daily broadcasted update - however was soon proven incorrect

STUFF UP: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath named the Darling Downs as a confirmed Covid-19 location in a press conference at Parliament House to provide a Covid update. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

An announcement by the Queensland Government highlighting the Darling Downs as a Covid-19 location has been confirmed as a misunderstanding.

A Darling Downs Health spokesperson confirmed the supposed local case, which Queensland Health said was infectious within the community, was in fact a New South Wales resident, still across the border.

“There is no risk to the community, and New South Wales Health are managing the case,” the spokeswoman said.

Twenty-two new cases of Covid-19 were announced this morning, with 18 reportedly infectious within the community.

Cases were supposedly detected in Brisbane’s south, the Darling Downs, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, West Moreton and Wide Bay.

Three cases of Omicron have also been confirmed.

Queensland chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said a surge in cases was expected in the coming weeks, with the current outbreak increasing “hour by hour”.

“There will be more cases tomorrow,” he said.

Authorities have urged Queenslands to wear a mask where possible within heavily populated indoor areas, such as shopping centres and public transport, and high risk settings such as hospitals.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the Sunshine State would reach 90 per cent double dose vaccination by January, with it currently sitting at 82.6 per cent.

Queensland now has 67 active cases, with seven new locally acquired cases, 12 new interstate acquired cases, and three new overseas acquired cases.