Sunshine Coast residents urged to monitor symptoms and get tested

A public health alert is being issued for parts of the Sunshine Coast, after a new community case was identified today.

The man in his 50s returned a positive result today, 2 July 2021, after becoming symptomatic on 30 June 2021 and undertaking a test on 1 July 2021.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath encouraged anyone in the Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs or Maroochydore areas to come forward even if they have only the slightest symptoms.

“We are relying on everyone to help us contain this potential outbreak,” the Minister said.

“That means wearing your mask and using the check-in app, and businesses ensuring their patrons use the app.

“Sunshine Coast people have been brilliant when we have called on them to get tested.

“And staying home when you’re sick is one of the best things you can do to protect the community from disease. I know the Sunshine Coast races are on tomorrow, but if you are at all unwell, don’t go.”

Investigations are underway in relation to the Aroona case to identify the strain and any links to existing cases.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said this case was not included in this morning’s announcement and will be added to the number of cases in tomorrow’s update.

“The man was only in the community while potentially infectious for two days before the lockdown began, at his workplace, and briefly during lockdown,” she said.

“Because of this, I am confident we can continue with the eased lockdown for the Sunshine Coast this afternoon, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation.

“Contact tracing is already underway and we are contacting everyone that we can identify.

“The man works at the Sippy Downs campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast and was at work on 28 and 29 June. He had minimal contact with others so it will not be listed as a contact tracing site, but as always, anyone with symptoms, come forward for testing immediately.

“In addition, we’re asking anyone who was at Coles at Sippy Downs from 8:15am to 8:35am to get tested, but you do not need to isolate until you receive a result as this venue is classed as low risk.

“As we’ve seen time and time again, the situation is fast-moving, and we will continue to keep the community updated as soon as possible if we need to change our approach.

“I urge all Queenslanders who have been in South East Queensland to regularly check the list of contact tracing locations on the Queensland Health website.

“And please, if you have any symptoms at all – even mild – get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result. Testing locations are available at www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing.”

Dr Young said while the Sunshine Coast and Noosa LGAs are coming out of lockdown at 6pm tonight, restrictions will remain in place for another two weeks.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Interim Chief Executive Dr Mark Waters said a new vaccination site due to open in Gympie next week will now open in late July.

“The new vaccination location at Gympie Civic Centre will open later this month and remain open until October, giving residents plenty of opportunity to receive their vaccine.

“Residents can register their interest now to receive the vaccine. The sooner you register, the sooner you will have the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“Please be patient – anyone who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated.”

As the Northern Territory has lifted restrictions locally, Queensland is removing all LGAs listed in the Northern Territory today.

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