Queensland has recorded zero coronavirus cases for the second time this week as the health minister urged aged care home bosses to allow loved ones to visit.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk beamed as she announced there were no overnight cases and the state’s total of confirmed cases remains at 1024. The state has undertaken more than 90,000 tests.
“So, that’s two zero cases this week. And we are really on the track to be smashing that curve,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
She also called on Queenslanders to download a COVID-19 tracking app, which the Federal Government wants to roll out to monitor contact people may have with anyone who has tested positive.
She said the app would be a crucial step towards relaxing social distancing restrictions.
“If we are going to ease restrictions down the track we will need Queenslanders to sign up to that app,” she said.
There are 20 people in hospitals around the state with seven in ICU, including six on ventilators.
HEAT MAP RELEASED
Queensland Health will release a “heat” map online from midday today to indicate the hot spots for COVID-19 around the state while also detailing the number of recovered cases and those in quarantine.
The Government has released a heat map of corona virus cases. (Queensland Government)
It will also provide a regional breakdown of local government areas, which some other states are already doing.
“We’re also going to have active cases, recovered cases, and community transmission,” she said.
ealth Minister Steven Miles said reports some aged care facilities were refusing visitors and not allowing residents out of their rooms were concerning.
He urged “all of those aged-care homes across Queensland to allow family members in to see loved ones”.
“There is no need for aged care homes to be in lockdown. Families should be able to visit their loved ones,” he said.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young agreed, saying the virus had so far been spread in aged care homes by staff, not visitors.
“If you’re unwell don’t go and visit, but if you are well it’s important to go and visit and it’s important to go and talk to your relative on a regular basis,” she said.
Data Courtesy: www.abc.net.au
