THE state government has today increased restrictions for aged care facilities in Redlands, Logan, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Ipswich.
Chief health officer Jeannette Young said the expanded list came into effect from midday today and was aimed at protecting the most vulnerable Queenslanders.
"This means these facilities are not permitted to accept visitors due to the increased risk of infection," Dr Young said.
"There will also be an increase in screening for COVID-19 and a limitation on staff transfers between facilities," she said.
Queensland has one new case of COVID-19, bringing total cases to 1085. The new case returned from overseas via New South Wales and is in quarantine.
Queensland Health is contacting people from Jetstar flight JQ790 which flew Sydney to Maroochydore on July 31.
Queensland has 13 active COVID-19 cases and seven of these are in hospital.
It comes as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declares COVID-19 a disaster as a further big spike in cases and deaths is recorded. Victoria has 671 new cases and seven deaths, six linked to aged care which will see the state move to a crippling stage four lockdown.
Queensland deputy premier Steven Miles said more than 11,000 tests had been conducted in the past 24 hours.
"This includes testing of staff and residents at the Bolton Clarke aged care facility at Pinjarra Hills," he said.
"...I know some of the pop-up clinics have been busy over the past few days, and some people have had to wait to be tested.
"What you are doing is essential to limit any potential spread of COVID-19. Getting tested helps us find any cases in the community as quickly as possible.
"This ensures we are doing everything we can to manage the pandemic."
Dr Young said people should be tested even if they had only mild symptoms, especially if they had been in Logan, South Brisbane, Springfield or interstate in the past 14 days.
Symptoms might include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue.
"There are testing facilities right across the state including fever clinics, GPs and pop up clinics," Dr Young said.
"It's really important if you're showing any symptoms at all to get tested.
"The most important message is 'feeling sick'? Stay home. Get tested.
"I also strongly encourage people to stay 1.5 metres away from other people as much as possible, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser often, and leave a location if it is crowded," she said.
