Mackay Covid: Cases climb to 445 across MHHS, mask mandate changes

The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region has recorded 104 new cases overnight, with a new mask mandate now in place for the state. LATEST LOCAL DETAILS HERE:

The Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac region has recorded 104 new Covid cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 445.

The expected surge in positive cases comes as strict mask mandates come into effect across Queensland that recorded 3587 cases statewide.

Across the state, there are 112 positive patients in hospital, with five receiving intensive care.

Queenslanders are required to wear masks in all indoor setting except in the family home and workplaces where it is unsafe to wear one.

This includes patrons in all hospitality settings, including pubs, cafes, clubs and restaurants, except when seated.

Staff and students at schools, along with childcare and other education facilities, will also need to wear masks while indoors.

Mackay Base Hospital’s virtual ward is treating 67 patients, while 19 are in the Townsville University Hospital’s virtual ward receiving similar care.

All patients are in a stable condition.

Mackay HHS completed 415 Covid tests on January 1, with 129 of those at Proserpine Hospital.

The 104 new cases announced on Sunday is an increase to the figure on Saturday, when 81 were reported.

Mackay currently has 118 active Covid cases, while Whitsunday has 193 and Isaac 20.

There are 16,668 active cases in Queensland.

Police Minister Mark Ryan also revealed Queensland would “take the health advice” about the future of the check-in app after New South Wales revealed it would ditch the measure at the end of January.

Earlier today it was announced that 38 new cases have been detected in the vulnerable Indigenous community of Cherbourg.

Originally published as Mackay Covid: Cases climb to 445 across MHHS, mask mandate changes