General News
5 April, 2020
Fifth Queenslander dies from COVID-19
Another Queenslander has died after contracting the COVID-19 virus while onboard the Ruby Princess cruise liner
Another Queenslander has died after contracting the COVID-19 virus while onboard the Ruby Princess cruise liner.
The 78-year-old man died on Sunday at The Prince Charles Hospital, taking the total fatalities in the state to five.
The man had underlying medical conditions and is the 11th person to have died after becoming infected with the virus on the cruise ship.
Queensland's border will remain closed as the spread of COVID-19 appears to be flattening.
The state total now stands at 907 after the number of people infected with the virus fell for the fourth day in a row.
Queensland has 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 raising the state total to 907, with 30 confirmed cases to date within the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. (CHHHS)
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was a long way to go but the fact that only nine new cases had been confirmed was good news.
“It goes to show that all of the measures that we’ve been putting in place over the last weeks are having an impact, and we need to make sure that we continue,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Sadly though, a fifth Queenslander has died, reminding us again of the seriousness.”
“On the other hand, it’s disappointing that people have been crowding at open air markets,
“I want to keep fresh food markets open. It is not a chance for an outing, you should only be going to purchase fresh produce, and if you don’t adhere to social distancing, then we will have no choice but to shut those markets.
“I don’t want to do that, so everyone needs to do the right thing, and I am giving my last warning in relation to that.”
Queensland Health has also announced that visitors to CHHHS facilities are to be restricted, until further notice, as follows:
All inpatients across CHHHS facilities will be restricted to receiving one visit per patient; by one person only; and for one visit per day
Visiting hours are 12.00pm to 8.00pm
The following inpatient areas will not allow visitors:
Cairns Hospital Intensive Care Unit (exceptions to this limit will be in consultation with clinical staff)
Cairns Hospital Emergency Department (exceptions to this limit will be in consultation with clinical staff)
Isolation Rooms across HHS facilities
A visitor presenting with any respiratory or flu like symptoms will be requested to leave the facility
Babinda Multipurpose Health Centre
Croydon Primary Health Care Clinic
Millaa Millaa Primary Health Centre
Mossman Multi Purpose Health Service
Ravenshoe Primary Health Care Centre
All data and numbers correct as of April 5, 8.30 pm.