Premier’s Statement on Coronavirus

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has conducted another meeting of Queensland’s Disaster Management Committee, the third in as many days.

The group, including Queensland’s Chief Medical Officer, is co-ordinating the state’s Coronavirus response.

The Premier was joined by Health Minister Steven Miles urging everyone to pay attention to the Chief Health Officer’s advice.

“Everyone should continue their normal daily routines except for a small portion of the community recently returned or arriving from China,” the Premier said.

“Those people need to be self-quarantined.”

Queensland’s only confirmed cases are a 44-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman from Hubei Province recovering in a stable condition in Gold Coast University Hospital.

Seven others in their party remain in quarantine.

More than 200 others have been tested with no further positive results.

The Chinese Women’s Football Team remains in quarantine in a Brisbane hotel. None of that party has shown symptoms.

The Premier also joined members of Queensland’s Chinese Community, some of whom have reported discrimination based on fear and misinformation.

“Queenslanders are at their best at times like this,” the Premier said.

“We stick together.

“Our only two confirmed cases are being cared for and every measure we can take is being taken.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland will urge federal counterparts to stop flights arriving from China.

The United States has denied entry to foreign nationals at risk of Coronavirus who have travelled in China in the past 14 days, introduced screening for its own returning citizens and quarantined citizens returning from Hubei.

Some facts about Coronavirus:

  • Novel coronavirus is transmitted from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission may occur from contaminated surfaces, so it is important to frequently wash your hands.
  • We’re advising people to stay one metre away from people coughing or sneezing.
  • Anyone who has had more than 15 minutes face-to-face contact or more than two hours contact in an enclosed space with a confirmed case of coronavirus case must self-isolate for 14 days following exposure.
  • Anyone who has visited Hubei Province of China needs to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province.
  • Childcare, school and TAFE students, teachers or workers who have visited China, including Hong Kong, should not attend school, childcare or TAFE for 14 days after leaving China, including Hong Kong. This includes anyone who works or attends these facilities.
  • Self-isolation means staying at home and not accepting visitors

If you are showing symptoms of respiratory illness and have recently returned from China including Hong Kong or have been in contact with someone who has had coronavirus or symptoms and has recently returned from China including Hong Kong, you should contact your GP immediately or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Before your GP appointment, please call the GP and advise them of your symptoms so they can take the necessary precautions.

FACE MASKS

Based on current advice, only people who have returned from China (including Hong Kong), are unwell and have access to a face mask should use it. For anyone else who has does not have symptoms, a face mask is not necessary.

PUBLIC EVENTS

There is no need to cancel any events or gatherings or take additional precautions to normal practice. People who are unwell should not attend public events.

TESTING

Until additional tests, which are being developed are made available, you can only be tested when you are showing symptoms of the virus. Our current test Is of no benefit for people without any symptoms.

Anyone who has been to China within the last 14 days and is showing symptoms should immediately get assessed whether they need to be tested for novel coronavirus.

In addition, anyone who has symptoms and has been in contact with someone who has been to China including Hong Kong within the last 14 days should immediately get assessed.

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