Full figures show scope of South West Queensland's COVID-19 response

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30 July 2021

The South West Hospital and Health Service has tested the equivalent of the population of Roma.

Raw numbers reveal the scale of the South West HHS’s COVID-19 response.

Since the Australia’s first case was confirmed on 25 January 2020, Queensland has recorded 1,793 cases. 0 have been recorded in the South West region.

“Around 80 per cent of Queensland’s cases have been acquired overseas,” Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

“And the majority of our locally-acquired cases were safely isolating while they were infectious, instead of risking the health of others in the community, which is a fantastic result.”

Sadly, the virus has claimed the lives of seven, with Dr Young saying the responsible actions of Queenslanders undoubtedly prevented more tragedies.

South West Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Craig Carey said the community had played an important part in the fight against the pandemic by getting tested in large numbers.

He said testing for COVID–19 was a vital measure in quickly identifying and isolating positive cases and their close contacts and reducing the spread of the disease.

“If you have any of the COVID–19 symptoms: fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea or lack of taste or smell, you should be tested,’’ he said.

Dr Young said Queensland’s vaccine roll-out had progressed well given the nation’s issues sourcing supplies.

As of 29 July 2021, South West HHS has administered 13,605 COVID-19 vaccinations, including 9,640 Pfizer doses and 3,965 AstraZeneca doses.

South West Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Craig Carey said the health service had seen excellent turnouts at vaccination clinics right across the region.

“I’d also like to acknowledges the commitment of partner organisations working to increase the protection of our communities, including general practitioners and medical centres, participating pharmacies, Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service,’’ he said.

As of 29 July 2021, 8,739 tests on 6,291 people have been completed in the South West HHS region and there have been no quarantine notices issued.