Case numbers continue to grow in the Torres and Cape but health officials are happy with the rate of spread of COVID-19 across the region.
On Monday morning, there were 451 active cases in the Torres and Cape, up almost 100 from the week before.
But there is only one active case in hospital and health clinics continue to operate as normal.
“All active cases within the region are being managed at home or other accommodation arranged in association with local disaster management groups, where home accommodation is unsuitable for isolation,” said Bev Hamerton, the chief executive of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.”
“One case currently is in hospital in Weipa for continuing care.”
To date, accounting for those who have been discharged from quarantine, the region has recorded 1361 cases of COVID-19.
“It is very clear there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 across Queensland, as well as the Torres Strait and Cape York,” Ms Hamerton said.
“As such, it is inevitable that people, in their day-to-day activities, will contract this virus.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
“Currently, 78 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 years and over in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region is now fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine and 93 per cent have had at least one dose.
“We have also delivered about 4350 booster vaccinations across the region, which is heartening.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to have their booster dose for better protection.
“We have also delivered the first dose vaccine to 888 children aged 5-11 across the region.
“However, we have noticed a significant slowdown over the past fortnight in the number of parents bringing their children in to be vaccinated.
“We encourage parents to get correct information about the child vaccine from their local health facility and health staff and not from social media.
“The child vaccine is free and it’s safe and it provides an added layer of protection for children.
“The child vaccine is being administered in two doses about eight weeks apart.”
Active cases in the region
Aurukun – 12
Badu Island – 45
Bamaga – 57
Boigu Island – 7
Coen – 1
Cooktown – 12
Dauan Island – 33
Hammond Island – 6
Horn Island – 15
Iama Island – 4
Injinoo – 15
Kowanyama – 29
Lockhart River – 15
Mabuiag Island – 16
Masig Island – 13
Mapoon – 4
Moa Island – 1
Napranum – 2
New Mapoon – 12
Pormpuraaw – 2
Prince of Wales Island – 1
Saibai Island – 5
Seisia – 20
Skardon River – 1
Thursday Island – 72
Umagico – 9
Warraber Island – 11
Weipa – 28
Wujal Wujal – 3
This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 1 February 2022.
