30 July 2021
The Central West Hospital and Health Service has tested the equivalent of the population of Longreach since the pandemic started.
Raw numbers reveal the scale of the Central West HHS’s COVID-19 response.
Since the Australia’s first case was confirmed on 25 January 2020, Queensland has recorded 1,793 cases. None have been recorded in the Central 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 people in Queensland, with Dr Young saying the responsible actions of Queenslanders undoubtedly prevented more tragedies.
Central West HHS Chief Executive Jane Hancock said the local community had responded well to advice to be tested throughout the period of the pandemic.
“In particular, the community has been magnificent in its acknowledgement of and almost instantaneous response to our advice in relation to the most recent risk involving a flight attendant on a flight to Longreach,’’ Ms Hancock said.
“We had families testing and then quarantining right across the Central West in line with directions from their public health unit contact tracers.
“Local lead agencies from their communities also jumped in with safe and comprehensive community support to ensure they remained connected.’’
Dr Young said Queensland’s vaccine roll-out had progressed well given the nation’s issues sourcing supplies.
As of 29 July 2021, Central West HHS has administered 8,258 COVID-19 vaccinations, including 2,508 Pfizer doses and 5,750 AstraZeneca doses.
Ms Hancock said total vaccination numbers were tracking well in the Central West and residents were to be commended on continuing to turn out to be vaccinated.
She said Central West Health was partnering with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland and Western Queensland Primary Health Network to deliver the vaccination program to all communities.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to our Central West local government authorities and their staff who have been strong supporters of our vaccination program throughout and without whose help we would not have achieved the successes we have had so far,’’ she said.
As of 29 July 2021, 3,596 tests on 2,541 people have been completed in the Central West HHS region and no quarantine notices have been issued.