By Juliano Oliveira
One new case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Queensland overnight. Is a female relative of one of the workers at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. She was placed in quarantine on 22 August.
The state has now 18 actives out of 1,106 total confirmed cases. According to the government, 789,255 tests have been conducted so far.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has recommended the use of masks by all patients, visitors and staff in hospitals in the Greater Brisbane region.
“For that area of Greater Brisbane, so Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton. For those three hospital and health services, this is the time to implement mask usage broadly within the facilities,” Dr Young said.
Dr Young extended the recommendation to Queenslanders facing a crowded situation where social distancing is not possible, especially in the Greater Brisbane region, particularly in Ipswich.
“It’s time to consider using a mask,” Dr Young said.
“I’m not going to mandate it because I don’t believe we have broad spread community transmission, but certainly we’re in a risky period at this time.
“Keep a bit of hand sanitiser in your back pocket or your handbag, and a mask with you.”
Dr Young warned people of the necessity to maintain social distancing as a priority.
“That 1.5 metres is far more effective than a mask. Masks are not totally fool-proof — they will not protect you totally,” she said.
On Saturday (22), Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced restrictions on gatherings in homes and public spaces limited to 10 people in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay and Redlands.