Sunshine Coast Covid-19: New cases recorded brings total to 15 active cases

The Sunshine Coast’s active Covid cases have soared to 19 while more exposure sites have been detected, Queensland Health has confirmed.

Active Covid-19 cases on the Sunshine Coast have soared to 19, while more exposure sites have been detected throughout the region.

As of Saturday afternoon the Sunshine Coast had 19 active cases, up from 15 on Friday.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said there were 31 new cases detected statewide overnight, including some on the Sunshine Coast.

“Although the numbers seem small, percentage wise they are increasing steadily,” Dr Gerrard said of Queensland’s new cases.

Noosa businesses and tattoo parlours have also been added to Queensland Health’s exposure sites.

They include:

Monday, December 13

Hart and Huntington Tattoo Co, Noosa Heads, from 12-12.47pm

Seasons IGA Noosa Junction Plaza, from 4.20-4.30pm

Tuesday, December 14

Tattoo Junction, Noosa Heads, from 10am-10.15am

Noosa Juicer and Foodcourt, from 11am -12pm

Woolworths Noosaville, from 12-12.30pm

Livelife pharmacy Noosaville, from 12.40-12.50pm

For the latest list of exposure sites click here.

The rise in cases come amid a mask mandate being reintroduced from 1am Saturday.

It means masks will be mandatory in shopping centres, public transport and hospitals, and recommended but not mandatory in pubs and clubs.

The mandate is on top of Queensland Health restrictions which were introduced on Friday for unvaccinated people.

People who have not received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are being denied entry into restaurants, cafes, taverns and clubs, festivals, nightclubs and cinemas.

Unvaccinated individuals could face fines of $1378 and more than $6000 for businesses that fail to comply with the new Covid-19 mandate which started at 5am Friday.

The changes mean business operators must collect contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of a medical exemption from all staff, guests and patrons at any establishment by using the Check In app.

Queensland Health says the restrictions are required to ensure the state’s hospital systems are not overwhelmed from Covid-19 outbreaks.

Sunshine Coast Superintendent Craig Hawkins said police would be out and about in the community to ensure compliance with the directions. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast Superintendent Craig Hawkins said police would be out and about in the community.

Supt Hawkins said authorities would take an educational approach first with businesses and the community to ensure they understand the chief health officer’s directions.

However, Supt Hawkins said where there is a “clear and intentional” direction against the orders, police would be forced to take action in the form of hefty fines.

He said individuals refusing to comply could face penalties of $1378 while businesses could face more than $6700 in fines.

“Ideally we don’t want to take action but we have to be satisfied they understand the direction for the safety of everyone,” Supt Hawkins said.

“No one will be targeted and we intend to work with everyone.”

Supt Hawkins said police would support all workers, particularly young staff members, who could potentially face issues from customers.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that. Don’t take your frustration out on a poor young person behind a counter trying to do their job,” he said.

It comes after a new Covid-19 case was detected in the Sunshine Coast community – one of 22 detected across the state overnight on Thursday.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said there were cases detected in Brisbane’s south, the Darling Downs, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, West Moreton and Wide Bay.

Several Sunshine Coast businesses have reverted to serving takeaway only, as unvaccinated people allowed to enter for takeaway orders and drive through.

Controversial Coolum venue New Earth Cafe, whose owner had been charged for failing to comply with the mask mandate, is one business which has changed its operations.

“Due to the impending health directive coming up we have made the decision to run New Earth as a takeaway-only venue from this Friday onwards,” a post on the cafe’s social media said.

“Our entire menu will be available takeaway.

“We will have some outdoor tables set up or you could bring a picnic blanket and head to the park or the beach with your loved ones.”

The owner, Sarah Diana Parsons, 38, had been arrested three times earlier this year surrounding the mask mandates.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Covid-19: New cases recorded brings total to 15 active cases