Dear colleagues,

Happy Monday! We’ve had an encouraging weekend of no COVID-19 cases however Queensland did record one new case of COVID-19 overnight who is in hotel quarantine, bringing the state’s total active cases to 11. This case was not contracted via community transmission and we should all be proud how effective our commitment to physical distancing and proper hand hygiene has made a difference. Keep up the good work!

I have a few updates and reminders for you today:

• Aged care facility restrictions
• Border closures
• QLD/ NSW border bubble

Aged care facility restrictions

The Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young announced today that the restrictions at aged care facilities across South East Queensland in response to the outbreak in Logan will now be lifted, at facility discretion. The only facility that won’t be open for visitors just yet is one located in Pinjarra Hills, north Brisbane. They will remain closed to visitors for another one and a half days until the state can confirm any potential outbreak is over.

We still need to be very cautious and careful at all times. Residents in aged care facilities are vulnerable so please always be thoughtful and considerate of those around you.

Border closures

As you know over the weekend Queensland’s border restrictions were tightened. The tightening of restrictions means people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days will no longer be able to quarantine in Queensland and will be turned away at our border. This applies to everyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the past 14 days, except people needed in Queensland for essential activities.

Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home but will be required to quarantine in government provided accommodation at their expense. Currently all of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are COVID-19 hotspots.

QLD/ NSW border bubble

So far, the northern-most COVID-19 case in New South Wales was in Newcastle. The State Government will be keeping an eye on any northern-travelling cases with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing today that if cases are uncovered nearer to the Queensland border, the “border bubble” system could be paused. This means that no exemptions will be granted to those living and/ or working in the border communities. If you are living in a “border bubble” community, please ensure that you are being extra cautious with physical distancing and extra diligent with hand hygiene.

If you reside interstate and commute to Metro North for work purposes, then you will need to discuss the implications of that with your line manager. Border Direction 11 is now available and I advise you to familiarise yourself with these and seek advice from your line manager as to the implications for you and for your work unit.

I’d like to thank everyone who worked over the weekend. Whether you were on a standard weekend shift or working overtime, your contribution is highly valued, and we are so lucky to have a team of committed staff helping us to be the biggest, best and nicest hospital and health service! For those people who will be lucky enough to have the public holiday off this week (whatever that day is depending on where you work) enjoy!!!  Have a great week everyone!  Remember R U OK are still the three most important words you can ask a colleague or friend.  Keep talking and we will get through this together.

Kind regards,
Alanna Geary
Metro North Incident Commander

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 10 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.