Queensland Police is to join forces with staff of the Public Health Unit to boost contact tracing efforts for COVID-19 cases across the State.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said a new dedicated tracing team would form an important part of Queensland Health’s efforts to tackle the pandemic.
“Law enforcement officials will now be able to assist the Public Health Units with tracing people who have come into contact with a known Coronavirus case,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“They will also lead the enforcement of people who have been ordered to quarantine, making sure they stay inside their homes, to protect others and slow the spread of Coronavirus.”
She said the majority of people were following the rules, but there was a need to ensure 100 per cent compliance.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath said the enforcement unit had one purpose – to protect public health.
“It will have strong powers and won’t hesitate to use them,” Ms D’Ath said.
Minister for Health, Steven Miles said Queensland’s Public Health Units, under the leadership of Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, had done an outstanding job in contact tracing and keeping in touch with those who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 but were being treated at home.
“We have quadrupled the number of staff members working for our Public Health Units already and this announcement will significantly increase resources,” Mr Miles said.
“Self-isolation and quarantine means you can’t go out for a walk, you can’t pop down to the shops or get a takeaway coffee from your local café,” he said.
“This new enforcement team will help ensure all Queenslanders are doing the right thing.”
