Disaster management group moves to lean forward

The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) has today moved to lean forward status in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor and TLDMG chairperson Jenny Hill said all cases of COVID-19 recorded locally were linked to people from cruise ships and holidaymakers returning from overseas and their families.

“All those who have tested positive to COVID-19 have cooperated with local health authorities and have been isolated, with any contacts also being quarantined,” Cr Hill said.

“There are two patients that are now listed as recovered, including Townsville-based Senator Susan Macdonald.

“As people continue to return to our community from overseas and isolate themselves, the number of positive cases in Townsville will likely increase.

“There are no locally-acquired cases at this point in time. The work done by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, with the support of the Queensland Police and council, to keep the community safe is extraordinary.

“As for the local government elections, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, has provided advice to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), who is responsible for these elections, that it is safe for the elections to go ahead.

“Those who have attended pre-polling would have experienced how well ECQ staff have managed to implement safe practices to allow people to vote and maintain the procedures as set down by Queensland Health.”

Cr Hill urged anyone wanting information about COVID-19 to visit Queensland Health’s website.

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