A new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Ipswich.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said in at a media conference on Wednesday morning that three new cases were confirmed overnight, two being historical cases and one a new case in West Moreton.
“The new case is a lady who lives in the Ipswich area,” Dr Young said.
“She is 68 years old and we are just following through with her this morning to urgently find out how she has acquired the case.”
Queensland will close its border to all residents of New South Wales and ACT from 1am on Saturday, 8 August 2020.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision had been made after concerns of a second wave.
Dr Young said anyone entering the state after Saturday will be required to hotel quarantine for 14 days and that there would be very, very few exemptions.
“It is important for people to continue to do what they have been doing,” Dr Young said.
“So 85,000 Queenslander’s have got tested for COVID-19 over the last week which is a brilliant result.
“And I recognise the impost on each and every single one of those people because they need to then, after they have been tested, wait in their home in isolation until they get the result and it is really, really important that they do that and they have been doing that.”
Dr Young said there are three things she was imploring every single Queenslander to do.
“Firstly, if they are unwell to isolate themselves at home and get tested as soon as possible,” she said.
“The second is to maintain social distancing, we don’t’ know where we might get another case in Queensland and it is too late then to socially distance and wash your hands.
“The third is reconsider your need to travel to anywhere in NSW, ACT, VIC or overseas.”
West Moreton Health Chief Executive Kerrie Freeman said the message to the public could be summed up in just a few words: Feeling sick? Stay home. Get tested.
“It’s as simple as that,” Dr Freeman said.
“If you are sick, stay home, stay away from any family members or housemates and practice good hygiene.”
The symptoms to look out for include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue.
There have been zero new confirmed cases reported by Queensland Health for the past two days (Monday and Tuesday) with 12 cases active as of midday Tuesday, 4 August.
There are two active cases in West Moreton with 122 people in self-quarantine as of midday Tuesday, 4 August.
West Moreton Health encourages people to continue coming forward for testing if they have developed any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild.
“This is especially important if residents have been in Springfield, Logan, South Brisbane, or interstate in the past 14 days,” Dr Freeman said.
“Queenslanders and visitors to Queensland are also encouraged to stay 1.5 metres away from other people as much as possible, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser often, and leave a location if it is crowded.
“There are several ways to be tested, including drop-in and drive-through clinics or by appointment.
“You can also see your GP for a referral to a private pathology lab or phone 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to discuss your symptoms.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding encouraged people to follow state and federal guidelines and adhere to social distancing and other measures to ensure their health and safety.
“Our major focus at the moment is on our community, customers and staff,” she said.
“We will continue to update Ipswich residents as information comes to hand.”
The Local Disaster Management Group, which is chaired by Mayor Harding, has amended its activation status to Lean Forward (prepared to support the community at short notice).
For more information on COVID-19 testing visit the Queensland Health website.
Fever clinics are specialist clinics managed by Hospital and Health Services that assess people who may be infected with COVID-19.
These clinics help to keep people who may be contagious away from other areas of hospitals and health centres.
This helps to reduce the potential spread of the virus and keeps the emergency department available for emergencies.
Testing is free.
Testing and Fever Clinics in Ipswich
Springfield Popup Testing Clinic – Western carpark of Orion Springfield Central shopping centre (behind Target) on Sirius Drive. This clinic is open each day this week (until Friday 7 August) from 9am until 4pm. Children under five years of age must be taken to a permanent clinic for testing. Bring food and water in case of a long wait.
Mater Private Hospital at Springfield – open from 8am until 4pm today (Wednesday, 5 August). This walk-in only COVID-19 testing clinic is located in the Main Hospital car park, off Healthcare Drive. Testing there is available for all age groups, including children. The Mater walk-in clinic is an outdoor clinic, so remember to be sun safe – or bring an umbrella if it is raining.
Ipswich Hospital Fever Clinic – (drop-in only), Jubilee Building, near Emergency Department entrance off Chelmsford Ave, Ipswich.
Kambu – Booval at 3, 160 Brisbane Rd Booval.
Booking available from 8.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
To make a booking call 0408 699 432.
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology – Dedicated COVID-19 centre, patients must present with a valid request form at Unit 2, 10 Churchill St (corner Warwick Rd) Ipswich.
Booking available from 6.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays and from 6.30am until 11am on Saturdays. Bookings are not required.
Health Matters Karalee GP Respiratory Clinic – Anyone wishing to be seen at the respiratory clinic needs to make an appointment. For bookings or more information phone 07 3812 3133 or book online via https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/chuwarQLD-4306/ipswich-chuwar-respiratory-clinic/doctors or you can access hotdoc.com.au and search Ipswich Respiratory Clinic.
Address: 19-27 Junction Rd Chuwar. Hours from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Flinders Peak Medical Centre Booking by appointment only at 355 Boonah Rd, Purga, from 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am until noon on the weekend (excluding public holidays). Bookings can be made by calling 07 5464 6765.
For more information about respiratory and fever clinics, including hours of operation, visit the West Moreton Health website and the Darling Downs West Moreton PHN website.
