Sunshine Coast exposure sites and South Australia hotspot declaration

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20 July 2021

A public health alert is being issued for locations in the Sunshine Coast, following the announced locally acquired COVID-19 case in Queensland.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the new case in Queensland was acquired in Victoria and linked to an interstate tier one exposure venue prior to Victoria being declared a hotspot for Queensland.

“The new confirmed case went to Young and Jackson located in Victoria on 10 July and once contacted by Victorian health authorities on 15 July, immediately got tested and returned a negative result the following day,” Dr Young said.

“On 17 July, this person started displaying COVID-19 symptoms and was issued a Quarantine Direction by Queensland Health. On 18 July, a second COVID-19 test was facilitated which returned a positive reading yesterday.

“The person has been in the Sunshine Coast and Mareeba communities while in their potentially infectious period and has ventured to Rice Boi and Sunshine Plaza so I urge Queenslanders to continue to check the contact tracing locations website and follow any health advice.”

“And, as always, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19.”

Following an increase in COVID-19 cases in South Australia and local restrictions announced, Queensland is declaring all of South Australia a hotspot from 1am Thursday, 22 July.

From 1am Thursday, anyone who has been to South Australia will not be allowed to enter Queensland unless they are a returning Queensland resident, except for a limited range of people who can enter for an essential purpose.

Queensland residents, and anyone who is allowed to enter Queensland from these locations, will be required to go into 14 days mandatory hotel quarantine.

“The situation in South Australia is concerning, and as they’ve announced a State wide lockdown, we have declared the state a hotspot,” she said.

“And as an additional precaution, I’m requiring those entering Queensland from South Australia before 1am Thursday to immediately get tested and quarantine at home if they have been to any exposure venue in South Australia.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, and act accordingly, in line with the risk level and their own local restrictions.”

Dr Young also reminded those who can be vaccinated to register for an appointment.

“Anyone aged 60 or older who isn’t already vaccinated should visit their GP as soon as possible to have your first dose of AstraZeneca,” she said.

“And anyone of any age who has already had a dose of AstraZeneca should book to get their second dose at or close to 12 weeks after the first.

“Everyone else who can be vaccinated should register their interest for an appointment.”