General News
2 March, 2021
Three new COVID cases confirmed in Cairns
There are 3 new overseas-acquired cases of COVID-19, which have been identified in the Cairns and Hinterland region.
There are 3 new overseas-acquired cases of COVID-19, which have been identified in the Cairns and Hinterland region.
All three of these cases are linked. The people, who arrived in Cairns from PNG on the weekend, were in a quarantine hotel when they were tested and have since been transferred to Cairns Hospital, where they will remain in isolation until they are no longer infectious to others.
Tropical Public Health Services is following up all contacts. These latest cases show that the quarantine hotel system is working.
In other news, there has been an unexpected COVID-19 detection at Southern Cairns Wastewater Treatment Plant in samples taken on February 24.
The wastewater plant services parts of Mt Sheridan, parts of White Rock, Westcourt, Bungalow, Portsmith to Fearnley St, Manunda, Manoora and suburbs in between.
This result is NOT linked to the new overseas-acquired COVID cases, as the sample was taken before these people arrived in Far North Queensland.
The result is of some concern, as it indicates that there could be a case(s) in the catchment area at present or when the sample was taken. People should remain vigilant for COVID-19, and should get tested immediately if they have any symptoms of the virus - no matter how mild - and self-isolate until they receive their test result.
To learn more about the wastewater surveillance program, visit the Queensland health Wastewater surveillance program page.
To find a testing location or drive-through clinic near you, and to book an appointment online, visit the Queensland COVID-19 statistics page.
If you have any concerns for your health, phone your GP, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or present to your closest emergency department.
To assess your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, head to the Vaccine Eligibility Checker page.
