Restrictions at hospitals and other high-risk facilities in Greater Brisbane were eased last Friday (19 March) following a successful public health response to three cases of COVID-19 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath said hospitals, aged care and disability accommodations, and correctional facilities in the Greater Brisbane area were once again receiving visitors as normal.
“Non-essential visits ceased in the local Government areas of Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Moreton Bay Region and Redland City last weekend after a Princess Alexandra Hospital doctor tested positive to COVID-19,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Genomic sequencing linked the three cases confirmed at Hotel Grand Chancellor,” she said.
“No further cases had been linked to the cluster.”
Ms D’Ath said the investigation identified 635 possible contacts for the doctor across a range of settings in the community (490) and the hospital (145).
The Minister said extensive follow-up and testing had, so far, not identified any community transmission.
“The Chief Health Officer is satisfied the risk of there being more cases in the community is now very low,” she said.
“I know many patients, residents, families and staff were impacted by these restrictions over the past week and I thank them for their patience and cooperation,” Ms D’Ath said.
Queensland Health said no quarantine breach was identified as part of its review into the two cases from the Hotel Grand Chancellor cluster.
Further information on visiting high-risk facilities can be accessed at this PS News link.
