There are three new overseas-acquired cases of COVID-19, which have been identified in the Cairns and Hinterland region. All three of these cases are linked.
The patients arrived in Cairns from Papua New Guinea over the weekend and were staying in a quarantine hotel when they tested positive to COVID-19.
The three patients have since been transferred to Cairns Base Hospital, where they will remain in isolation until they are no longer infectious to others.
Tropical Public Health Services is contact-tracing.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has also been detected at the Southern Cairns Wastewater Treatment Plant in samples taken on February 24, 2021. The wastewater plant services areas in Mt Sheridan, White Rock, Westcourt, Bungalow, Portsmith, Manunda, Manoora and suburbs between. Queensland Health partners with researchers from the University of Queensland and the CSIRO to deliver a wastewater surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2. The results from this program will add to the information obtained through clinical testing and enhance Queensland Health’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The positive sample was taken before the new patients arrived in Cairns and therefore, the result is not linked to the three new COVID cases,
The result indicates that there could be a case(s) in the catchment currently, or at the time of the sample collection.
Advice from Queensland Health is to remain vigilant for COVID-19, and to get tested immediately if you experience any symptoms of the virus, and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result.
To find a testing location or drive-through clinic near you, and to book an appointment online, visit https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/
If you have any concerns for your health, phone your GP, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or present to your closest emergency department.
To assess your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
There is now a total of four new confirmed cases of COVID19 in Queensland today.
[…] Cairns now has a total of eight active cases, with the five new cases in addition to the three other cases reported on Tuesday. […]