Dear colleagues,

Today marks 200 days since Queensland’s first case of COVID-19.

It makes me proud to reflect on all we have achieved in the last 200 days and more. We have built entirely new service models from the ground up, adapted and responded to various government directions which have changed the way we provide healthcare and we’ve done it with courage, enthusiasm and a willingness to show up.

Metro North have been front and centre in the pandemic response and Liz and I are always so impressed at the way we, as a team, get on with the job at hand and meet challenges head on. Congratulations! Although we do have a way to go, and COVID-19 is a long way from being a distant memory, we are making a significant impact and demonstrating how we can rise to the occasion and address the issues that confront us. As I said yesterday, it makes me realise what a wonderful HHS we work in.

Latest update

Excellent news again today. We have no additional cases of COVID-19 in Queensland. This is a reassuring sign, but we are not out of the woods. We all know about the 14-day incubation period, and it has not yet been 14 days since a small cluster emerged linked to travel from a declared hotspot. This makes it really important to stay home if you develop any symptoms whatsoever and get tested and maintain social distancing and hand hygiene. These simple strategies are our greatest protection.

In other positive news, Metro North discharged its only remaining patient from the Virtual Ward this afternoon. This update will be reflected in tomorrow’s data. Thank you to the Virtual Ward team for providing your care and support.

Testing numbers and fever clinics

We have seen a reduction in the number of people being tested, which is a welcome reprieve for our busy fever clinics and community assessment centre. We have tested 588 people in the last 24 hours, down from 762 the day before. Our teams have expertly managed the increased demand over the past 10 days, and I would like to congratulate our frontline workers and everyone behind-the-scenes for your hard work.

Outside of our fever clinics and community assessment centres, there are many different places you and your loved ones can go for testing if required. A full list is on the Queensland Health website – just search Metro North, or your postcode for your closest clinic. Some clinics require a GP referral, and don’t forget to bring along your Medicare card.

It is hard to believe that we would usually be heading off to the EKKA this weekend. While cutest animal competitions and trips on your favourite ride are sadly off the cards, you can still enjoy a famous strawberry sundae from one of the pop-up stalls across Brisbane and the South East this weekend and next week. Check out the list of locations here. Better still, all the proceeds from the strawberry sundaes will go to raising money for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

Stay tuned for another update tomorrow and I hope you are having a lovely weekend. What I thought was going to be a rainy Saturday has turned into a glorious day!  Enjoy, rest and be happy!

Kind regards,
Alanna Geary
Metro North Incident Commander

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 8 August 2020, 10:00am
**Metro North has three recorded deaths (one person a return traveller into NSW, who passed away in NSW)
*** These numbers reflect the cases being managed by Metro North.