The Sunshine Coast Health system has revealed how the region is faring, as Queensland approaches week three of the fourth COVID wave this year on a higher warning alert.
As of late November there have been 10,082 new reported cases of COVID-19 in Queensland in the previous seven days.
A total of 312 of those patients were in hospital and eight were in Intensive Care Units.
A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) spokesperson said the health system is currently caring for 15 COVID-19 positive patients across our hospitals including one patient being cared for in ICU.
An additional 18 patients are receiving virtual care in their home.
In early November there were six patients in the local hospital and 11 patients being cared for in the virtual ward (who are cared for via phone calls and remote monitoring).
The following week there were four patients in hospital, one of whom is in ICU, and 11 patients being cared for in the virtual ward.
Read a related story: Sunshine Coast health system prepared for more COVID-19 cases.
“This anticipated COVID surge was based on the overseas experience,” the SCHHS spokesperson said.
“It is expected Queensland will continue to experience waves of COVID-19 for months and years to come.
“Our southern states continue to experience significant impacts on their health care system. With the coming holiday season, we can expect the virus to spread.
“Working as a community to minimise the spread will assist to protect those most at risk and ensure the health care system is able to continue to deliver all services.”
The spokesperson said SCHHS manages positive COVID-19 patients across all our facilities with confidence and expertise.
“The care of our COVID-19 patients is currently having no impact on our usual health care delivery,” they said.
“Community members who reside in residential aged care facilities (RACF) and those visiting a hospital for health care, generally carry a higher risk of significant disease should they catch the virus.
“For this reason, staff and visitors to these facilities are asked to wear a mask to protect our most vulnerable.
“Visitors are requested not to enter a RACF or hospital facility for the five days after the date of the positive test, and if a diagnosed case for at least seven days have passed since you received a positive COVID-19 test result and you no longer have any symptoms.”
Queensland introduced the new traffic light advice light system as the Chief Health Officer’s pandemic powers ended last month. The state’s advice is currently rated as Amber. For more details, visit: Traffic Light Health advice
Read a recent story: Mask advice: COVID warning upgraded to amber.
Meantime, Sunshine Coast Council has advised, despite the absence of any COVID-19 directives, “in line with State Government advice, Council encourages patrons to consider wearing masks, socially distance or stay at home if unwell”.
The current wave is expected to peak within four to six weeks, with hopes it will be “short and sharp”, with the worst passing before Christmas.
The SCHHS spokesperson reiterated, vaccination remains the most important thing people can do to protect themselves, their children, families, and the community.
“It’s important to keep your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date, which means receiving all the boosters you are eligible for,” the spokesperson said.
“If you are behind on your COVID-19 vaccinations, book in with your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.”
Without any current COVID Public Health Directions in place, as there was at the height of the pandemic, the Queensland Police Service is no longer involved in any kind of enforcement when it comes to COVID breaches.
For advice, visit: Queensland Government Health
