Mackay HHS has recorded two new COVID-19 cases. The two cases are inter-state visitors who are now in isolation in Mackay.
They tested positive on their day five-test while holidaying in the Whitsundays and were transferred to Mackay to isolate.
They have done the right thing and complied with the testing requirements and this is what we ask everyone to do.
Both are in a stable condition and are being cared for in a virtual ward and do not require hospital admission.
Details of their movements will be added to the contact tracing website https://www.health.qld.gov.au/tracing if it is determined anyone may have been at risk.
It’s important that if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 you are tested and isolated until your result is received.
COVID-19 testing is available in the Whitsundays at the Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic, private pathology providers SNP and QML and at Proserpine Hospital.
Proserpine Hospital testing times are:
24 December 8am – 3pm
25 – 26 December 8.30am – 1.30pm
27 – 31 December 8am – 3pm.
Testing is also offered at the Mackay Showgrounds drive-through testing clinic which is open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm.
Children aged under six can also be tested here on days when no private pathology providers are open.
Bookings are needed through https://healthserviceportal.health.qld.gov.au/hdsp or call the hotline on 4885 5666 between 8am and 4pm seven days.
Mackay HHS is preparing to deal with the coming surge of COVID-19 patients.
On 24 December our Mackay Base Emergency Department will separate into two zones, one for people with COVID-19 symptoms and those without.
Patients walking into emergency will be screened at a demountable building outside the main entry.
If you require urgent care and / or have COVID-19 symptoms you will be cared through in the main ED.
Less urgent cases and those without COVID-19 symptoms will be diverted to a separate entry
Please co-operate with our staff if you are directed to walk to a separate entry.
Wheelchairs and transport assistance will be available for less able people.
Townsville University Hospital will care for any COVID-19 positive patients from Mackay HHS who require hospital admission.
Mackay Base Hospital is opening a dedicated 16-bed COVID-19 ward in anticipating of accepting patients.
All of our rural facilities have single rooms available to isolate a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive patient before they are transferred to a larger hospital.
COVID-19 positive people who are generally well are able to remain in their home and receive virtual support from medical and nursing staff.
Now that we have three case of COVID-19 in Mackay HHS it is important that we all take the right steps to limit the spread of this virus.
By now we are all familiar with social distancing and hand hygiene and I would urge everyone to comply with mask-wearing directions.
Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a part of our lives now, so whether cases are located in Mackay, the Whitsundays or the Isaac region we are asking the community to remain vigilant and for people to prioritise getting tested if they have symptoms.
