Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update

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24 April 2020

Queensland has two new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Yesterday’s total case numbers were revised overnight and the state total remains at 1,026.

HHS*

Active cases

Recovered cases

Deaths

Total confirmed
cases to date

Cairns and Hinterland

6

28

0

34

Central Queensland

2

6

0

8

Central West

0

0

0

0

Darling Downs

15

25

2

42

Gold Coast

53

137

0

190

Mackay

4

11

0

15

Metro North

74

235

3

312

Metro South

83

167

0

250

North West

0

0

0

0

South West

0

0

0

0

Sunshine Coast

14

75

1

90

Torres and Cape

0

0

0

0

Townsville

5

19

0

24

West Moreton

11

26

0

37

Wide Bay

15

9

0

24

Overseas

0

0

0

0

Total

282

738

6

1026**

* HHS level case data may include a patient’s residential address, Public Health Unit managing or location where test was ordered.

** Changes may occur in the number of notifications reported from day to day. This is due to ongoing maintenance and update of notification details as new information becomes available, or where discrepancies are detected through data quality assurance activities.

Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said currently, 959 of the 1,026 confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas or had close contact with a confirmed case, such as their partner or flatmate.

“Even though Queensland has recorded very low numbers of cases this week, Queenslanders are reminded to continue staying home as much as possible, and stay in their suburb when undertaking essential activities such as going to the supermarket or exercising,” she said.

Dr Young said a total of 94,977 tests for COVID-19 has been undertaken in Queensland, with 2,275 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.

Queensland’s testing criteria has now been expanded so that anyone in the state who has a fever (or history of fever) or acute respiratory symptoms can get tested.

If you are unwell and you meet the above criteria, you should contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Before your appointment, please call ahead and tell them about your symptoms so they can prepare for your visit.

Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms. Currently, 18 of the 282 active confirmed cases are in hospital, with six of these in intensive care. The remainder of active cases are currently recovering at home.

A total of 738 Queenslanders (72% of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.

Contact tracing continues for recent cases. Queensland Health will notify the community if any other public health alerts are required.

We want everyone to continue playing their part to protect themselves and the more vulnerable in our community. Please continue to follow the recommended advice from us and our federal counterparts in regards to social distancing, public gatherings and general wellbeing.

Critically, make sure you are practising good hygiene and staying home, especially if you’re sick. Washing your hands properly and often is the gold standard of health advice that can help prevent viruses from entering your body.

The most up-to-date reliable information is available on the Queensland Health website at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus

The Queensland Health website now includes detailed information by Local Government Area on the number of active and recovered COVID-19 cases, likely source of infection, age and gender breakdowns of confirmed cases and number of self-quarantine notices. You can access this information at www.health.qld.gov.au/covid-data