Full figures show sheer scope of Torres and Cape's COVID-19 response

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30 July 2021

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service has tested almost triple the population of Weipa since the pandemic started or about double the number of attendees seen at the Laura Dance Festival.

Raw numbers reveal the scale of the Torres and Cape HHS’s COVID-19 response.

Since the Australia’s first case was confirmed on 25 January 2020, Queensland has recorded 1,793 cases. Of these, one has been recorded in the Torres and Cape HHS region and this person has recovered. Another 19 were recorded off a ship and are currently active cases.

“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 Queenslanders, with Dr Young saying the responsible actions of Queenslanders undoubtedly prevented more tragedies.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Beverley Hamerton said the community had played an important part in the fight against the pandemic by getting tested in large numbers right across the region.

“Our communities are particularly vulnerable to the COVID–19 virus and they well recognise the importance of being tested regularly – and getting vaccinated,’’ she said.

Ms Hamerton 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,’’ she said.

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

As of 29 July 2021, Torres and Cape HHS has administered 7,125 COVID-19 vaccinations, including 5,539 Pfizer doses and 1,586 AstraZeneca doses.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Beverley Hamerton said the health service had seen steadily improving turnouts at vaccination clinics across the Torres Strait in recent weeks.

“In early August, our vaccination program will move onto Cape York and we expect strong turnouts to be vaccinated there also,’’ she said.

“I encourage everyone in our communities to take the opportunity to be vaccinated when our immunisation teams arrive in their communities. It’s the best way of keeping yourself, your family and your community safe.’’

As of 29 July 2021, 10,875 tests on 7,194 people have been completed in the Torres and Cape HHS region and no quarantine notices issued.