COVID UPDATE: THREE CONFIRMED CASES IN GOONDIWINDI

The Premier has this morning confirmed three new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in Goondiwindi [Thursday 4 Nov 2021].

Goondiwindi Regional Council understands the three cases have presented to the Goondiwindi Hospital and will be transferred to a COVID-designated facility in southeast Queensland.

It is essential, that anyone experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately: www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said “our community can have a high level of confidence, as our high vaccination levels are going to provide us with a high level of protection. 

“Despite this, without creating unnecessary concern, I am asking people to be cautious over the coming days until a clearer picture of the situation emerges.

“We’re still awaiting test results from contact tracing, but we can cautiously say that Queensland Health have so far identified only limited community interaction,” the Mayor said.

“As we now know, two of the new cases were not vaccinated and one had only recently received their first dose. With a first dose rate of 93.1 per cent, our community really has given itself the best possible protection, and these new cases prove the importance of vaccination.

“I want to thank our Premier, who has acknowledged the success of the vaccine roll-out in our region and is not currently placing further restrictions on the region.

“I would ask that residents respect this privilege and try to limit their interactions and movements in the coming days,” he said. “We must remember that the vaccination rates in many of our neighbouring communities are much lower, and they therefore face greater vulnerability.

“I want to thank the community for their patience as this situation unfolds, and for following the rules, which I’ve seen many residents and businesses already do.”

Council is also reminding all people (Queensland and New South Wales residents) with a valid border pass to enter the Goondiwindi Region from the New South Wales border zone, that they must abide by face mask restrictions until 14 days have passed since they were in the border zone.

Best practice also recommends we all practise physical distancing as much as possible and:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and use alcohol-based sanitiser
• avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes
• wherever possible keep at least 1.5 metres away (two big steps) from people you don’t live with.

Please see the Queensland Health website directly for the latest advice. You can also keep up to date on the Darling Downs Health Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/darlingdownshealth

For information about where to get the C­­OVID-19 vaccine, visit: www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au