Cherbourg Covid: Community edges closer to triple digit case numbers

The number of Covid cases in Cherbourg, one of the state’s least vaccinated communities, continues to grow at an alarming rate with the cluster now totalling more than 80 cases.

Covid numbers in the vulnerable indigenous community of Cherbourg have exploded with more than a dozen new cases detected in the town overnight.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council confirmed that at least 15 new cases had been detected, bringing the cluster to 83 cases as of Monday morning.

It comes after the outbreak exploded on Sunday with 38 new cases in one day.

The council warned that while case numbers appeared to have steadied, a testing backlog was holding up results.

Local authorities also reminded residents to stay home and not attend any large gatherings.

Cherbourg elder Uncle Eric Law made a special recorded message for the community, encouraging them to take care of one another.

“If you’re not feeling well – go down to the hospital and get tested, that’s the simplest thing to do,” Mr Law said.

“If you do that, you help your family and the people of Cherbourg.”

Cherbourg resident and OAM Eric Law is encouraging all of his community to get vaccinated for Covid-19. Picture Lachie Millard

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard yesterday confirmed one person was taken to Toowoomba Hospital for isolation purposes.

Uncle Eric said now was the time for the town to unite.

“This is the time for this community to come together as a proper Aboriginal community,” he said.

“I have great faith in you all and I know you’re going to do the right thing.”

The Aboriginal Shire is the least vaccinated area in the state, with 63.5 per cent of the community having one dose and just 52.8 per cent fully vaccinated as of December 20.

Cases have also now been detected in the townships of Kingaroy, Murgon and Nanango.

The council has reminded residents that vaccinations are occurring daily at the CRAICCHS clinic with testing available at the hospital.

Cherbourg residents are being prioritised for testing and vaccinations due to the growing numbers and expected rise this week.

Originally published as Cherbourg Covid: Community edges closer to triple digit case numbers