The Sunshine Coast’s public health service has revealed the region is faring better with COVID than it was earlier in the year.
A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) spokesperson confirmed the region’s active case numbers had dropped substantially from the start of the year.
“Twenty five COVID-19 inpatients are being cared for in our hospitals,” the spokesperson said.
“This is approximately half the number of inpatients with COVID-19 who were in SCHHS facilities early this year.
“SCHHS continues to operate Hospital in the Home and a virtual ward to provide the right level of care, and in the patient’s home where appropriate.”
In the last week there were 3472 new confirmed COVID cases in Queensland, with 295 hospitalised.
A total of 93.6 per cent of the state is now fully vaccinated.
The Sunshine Coast, along with the rest of Queensland, was in January downgraded to level green of the Queensland Health traffic light system.
The spokesperson said the SCHHS had specific measures to manage COVID, according to the risk at the time.
“COVID-19 is endemic in the community and will continue to mutate so it is important people remain vigilant and responsive by staying home when sick, washing their hands regularly, keeping their distance from others where possible and wearing a face mask when they can’t,” they said.
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“Our staff cared for the community during the pandemic and continue to be well equipped at each of our hospitals to do this, and manage any predicted surges.
“Some patients may require in-hospital care, and others can be cared for in their homes via their GP, or our virtual acute care service.
“If you are an adult more than six months from your last COVID vaccination or confirmed infection, you are eligible for a booster. Booster doses are effective in reducing the risk of serious COVID infection.”
The SCHHS spokesperson reiterated that vaccination was the best protection against COVID.
“If you are an adult and it has been more than six months since your most recent COVID-19 vaccination or infection, you are eligible for a booster,” they said.
“If you do test positive for COVID-19, please chat to your GP about accessing antiviral medication.”
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The SCHHS spokesperson said it was also a great time for people to get their influenza vaccination and that “flu and COVID vaccinations can be received at the same time”.
“COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are safe to receive on the same day or any number of days apart,” they said.
“We also encourage the community to get their annual vaccination for influenza as it is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications and is recommended for everyone aged six months and over.
“See your pharmacy or GP for your influenza vaccination.”
Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard declared in December that the fourth wave of the virus had peaked.
In February, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned the end of the pandemic was not yet in sight.
But in a statement last week, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said COVID-19 “is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern”.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms get tested and follow the instructions at queenslandhealth.com. To find your nearest vaccination location visit health.com.au.
For detailed COVID statistics for the state visit Queensland COVID stats.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
