Community & Business
19 January, 2023
Region saved from new Covid strain
LOCALS aren’t feeling the effects of the recently discovered and highly-contagious Kraken Covid strain with only 41 patients being treated at the Atherton and Mareeba hospitals since 1 November, while schools prepare Covid plans to welcome students back for 2023.
While the region may not be as at risk as other areas of the state, health authorities are still advising residents to be vigilant and follow health directions set out by the traffic light system.
The traffic light system is used by Queensland Health when advising people on what precautions they should take to protect themselves from Covid depending on the current severity of cases.
Director of Topical Public Health Services Dr Richard Gair said the level of warning may change depending on the severity of cases and the emergence of new strains of Covid.
“As we have done throughout the entire pandemic, we continuously monitor the evolving situation, including the emergence of new variants, and provide advice to the community to help limit the spread of Covid,” he said.
“Any changes to the traffic light system will be communicated to the media and public via the usual channels.”
Currently the traffic light is on amber which means staying home if you're sick, keeping up to date with your vaccinations, maintaining good hygiene, have a rapid antigen test if you get Covid symptoms and wear a mask if required by a healthcare provider, venue, or household.
If you have contracted Covid while the light is amber, you must register your RAT result, stay home until you’re well again, use the Australia COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker, wear a mask for seven days after you test positive, avoid visiting hospitals, aged care, or disability care for a week after you test unless you are receiving care and ask household members to closely monitor symptoms.
Queensland schools are prepared to implement a host of measures to minimise the transmission of Covid which includes hygiene measures, ongoing communication about how to stay safe, and natural and mechanical ventilation.
