Townsville, Magnetic Island, Palm Island to go into lockdown

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announces parts of North Queensland to go into lockdown.

TOWNSVILLE will be forced into lockdown from 6pm tonight after a positive Covid-19 case travelled to Magnetic Island.

A young woman who works in a Covid-19 clinic in Sandgate has travelled to North Queensland with her family.

The Premier has just announced that the city, including Magnetic Island and Palm Island, will go into lockdown from 6pm tonight.

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Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has said while the lockdown starts at 6pm tonight, everyone was urged to finish their day and go home as soon as possible.

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has moved to a ‘stand-up’ posture in response.

TLDMG chairwoman Jenny Hill said the change in posture ensured all relevant agencies were working together and ready to respond as conditions changed. The TLDMG will meet today at 3pm to discuss the latest situation and strategies moving forward.

“It is essential all Townsville residents following the Chief Health Officer’s advice including staying at home but, if you have to leave your home, you must maintain social distancing, wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene,” Cr Hill said.

“As a community we have stopped the spread of COVID-19 before and, by working together, we can do it again.”

EXPOSURE SITES

The entire community of Magnetic Island is being urged to get tested for Covid-19 after a woman, who is one of Queensland’s positive cases, travelled to the region.

The state government is setting up fever clinics on Magnetic Island and in Townsville.

>>The family flew into Townsville on VA369 on Thursday, June 24.

>>They sat at the Brewery Cafe at the Townsville Airport for one hour before travelling to Magnetic Island.

>>On Sunday, June 27 the family travelled from Magnetic Island back to Townsville and attended the Cotters Markets on Flinders St.

>> The family then went to Townsville Airport and travelled on VA374 at 2.55pm on Sunday to Brisbane.

PALM ISLAND

Palm Islanders are being urged to stay exactly where they are, even before lockdown begins.

There is no ferry to the island today and flights are expected to stop this afternoon.

People from the island have been urged not to scramble, but to stay at home, or where ever they are at this point, until the lockdown has ended.

REASONS YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR HOME

>>Essential work you cannot do from home or essential study you cannot do from home

>>You can leave home to care for somebody.

>>Leave your home to buy supplies, essential supplies, including food and medication.

>>Leave home for essential healthcare and to get vaccinated.

>>Exercise.

caitlan.charles@news.com.au