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Byron Shire
March 23, 2023

Queensland COVID update: SEQ lockdown lifted

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The seven cases linked to the cluster were in quarantine and as a result, are not a risk to the community.

The cases take the cluster to 109, which includes 69 people aged 19 or under.

This includes 49 students and four teachers. Five schools are associated with this cluster.

There are more than 15,000 contacts associated with the cluster, including more than 11,000 in home quarantine. Of these, more than 400 are health workers.

SEQ lockdown lifted, some restrictions remain 

From 4pm yesterday, Sunday 8 August, the 11 Local Government Areas in South East Queensland came out of lockdown. Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young applauded Queenslanders for pulling off something truly special.

Dr Young said communities and families across south east Queensland had made significant sacrifices. ‘I would like to thank everyone in the 11 local government areas who has remained vigilant and followed the restrictions brilliantly,’ said Dr Young.

‘Although several restrictions will remain to ensure everyone’s wellbeing over the next two weeks, I am so pleased we can do that only a week after we implemented it.

‘Please continue wearing masks, practising good hygiene and maintaining social distancing. This is imperative, and I know we will all do the right thing for one another.’

What’s changed from 8 August 2021

Some restrictions will continue to apply for the next two weeks, including:

  • Mask wearing at all times (including workplaces) except when eating or drinking, or exercising with your household or one other person.
  • Schools will reopen, with all staff and high school students wearing masks
  • 10 people in your home, including people who live there
  • 20 at weddings and funerals
  • Businesses and venues with one person per four square metres, or 50 percent capacity with seated, ticket allocations
  • Community sport not permitted
  • Avoid travelling to regional Queensland
  • Visitors allowed to hospitals, aged care and disability accommodation

Cairns lockdown until Wednesday 11 August at 4pm

A positive COVID-19 case was discovered in Cairns on Saturday night, prompting a 3-day lockdown for Cairns and Yarrabah communities starting today, 8 August at 4pm and scheduled to end Wednesday, 11 August at 4pm.

It is vital that Queenslanders follow the lockdown procedure for the next three days to ensure we can suppress any spread of this variant.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the decision was made to protect the Cairns and Yarrabah community as the case was in the community during their infectious period for 10 days. ‘The case has been sick for a long time, out in the community and driving people around,’ said.

‘There is a real risk that this could spread and that is why we must go early.

‘The lockdown for Cairns and Yarrabah communities will initially be three days, and I genuinely hope that’s all that is needed.

‘Please, let us stick to the letter and the spirit of the direction for the next few days and support each other through this.”

More information will be available on the Queensland Health website soon.

Contact tracing and fever clinics

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19.

Additional testing clinics and capacity is being added to facilities in Cairns.

We are asking all Queenslanders to regularly monitor the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website and follow the public health advice.

Public health alert – new exposure sites for Manunda, Parramatta Park and Cairns City

A public health alert is being issued for contact tracing location in Manunda, Parramatta Parka and Cairns City.

More than 300 exposure sites are published on the Queensland Health contact tracing webpage and Queenslanders are reminded to keep checking the list.

If you have been to a listed location in the specified timeframe, follow the public health advice.

Contact tracing venues can be found at Contact tracing (exposure sites) — coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at any time, no matter how mild, you should immediately get tested for COVID-19.

To access a full list of COVID-19 testing locations, with interactive map and post code search, visit www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing.


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Today there are 41 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with none of these in ICU.

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COVID-19 update: May 6

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COVID-19 update: Monday 2 May

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday, 1 May, 274 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the area, including 56 positive PCR tests and 218 positive rapid antigen tests

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