Hundreds of travellers screened for Coronavirus at Brisbane International Airport

More than 200 travellers have been assessed for coronavirus since screening started at Brisbane International Airport on 1 February as authorities continue efforts to counter the threat of the novel coronavirus.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the screening was part of efforts to stop the virus.

“Queensland clinicians are assisting with screening all incoming passengers on flights from mainland China for symptoms,” Mr Miles said.

“So far, about 205 inbound passengers who showed no coronavirus symptoms have been advised to self-isolate as a precaution.  This is a new virus and we are doing everything we can to stop its spread.

“Two people have been taken to hospital for further assessment.”

Across Queensland, since 22 January 2020, more than 370 patients have been tested for the disease.

“The clinicians at Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services laboratory are working around the clock to process a significant number of tests,” Mr Miles said.

“Contact tracing on all passengers aboard Tiger Airways flight TT566, on which the confirmed cases were travelling, had also now been completed.

“We have provided them all with information on what to do if they do experience symptoms.

Mr Miles said fever clinics have been set up at Gold Coast University Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Princess Alexandra Hospital, with several other hospitals across the state also ready to open fever clinics at short notice if needed.

“These clinics are only for people who our clinicians believe need further assessment for the novel coronavirus,” Mr Miles said.

“This helps separate patients who potentially have the virus and other patients presenting to EDs with other illnesses or injuries.

“We also want to assure Queenslanders that it is safe to go about their daily lives. We are calling for calm and vigilance to get through this situation as it evolves”

A man, 44, and a woman, 42, remain in Gold Coast University Hospital after testing positive to the novel coronavirus. No other cases have been confirmed.

For information on coronavirus, visit www.health.qld.gov.au contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

ENDS

Media contact:               Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903

Current Health Advice:

Advice for people who have had contact with confirmed cases

Anyone who has had contact with a confirmed novel coronavirus case must self-isolate for 14 days following exposure.

Self-isolation means staying at home and not accepting visitors.

Advice for anyone who has travelled to China in the past 14 days

All travellers:

• Returned travellers who have visited mainland China need to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving China.

Childcare, school and TAFE students, teachers and anyone who works or attends these facilities:

• Returned travellers who have visited China, including Hong Kong, should not attend school, childcare or TAFE for 14 days after leaving China, including Hong Kong.

Self-isolation means staying at home and not accepting visitors.

This is a precautionary measure following advice around the timeframe that people may be contagious before showing symptoms.

Anyone with the below symptoms who has travelled to or through China in the past 14 days should contact a GP immediately:

• Fever
• Respiratory illness symptoms such as a cough, fatigue, sore throat or headache
• Difficulty breathing.

Please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and recent travel before your appointment so the clinic can take necessary precautions.