Statement from the Mayor and Chair - LDMG - Response to Confirmed Case of COVID-19

First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 – Charters Towers

“The Charters Towers Local Disaster Management Group has moved to “Stand Up” status in response to the first confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within Charters Towers.

I can confirm that this person has recently returned from overseas.

Fortunately, this person has heeded the advice to self-isolate. 

Since testing positive they are in supervised quarantine and will remain in quarantine until given the all clear.

I understand there is a fear in the community, however, I want to encourage the community not to panic. 

The Local Disaster Management Group is monitoring the situation carefully and is working very closely with Queensland Health and the District and State Disaster Coordination Centre.

To help stop the spread of the virus, I encourage everyone to heed the advice of the Australian and Queensland Governments to ensure proper personal hygiene and to stay at home and only venture out for essential reasons.

Regular COVID-19 bulletins will be published on our emergency dashboard to provide a point of truth for local information. To view the latest news, visit www.getready.ctrc.qld.gov.au

To date, all Queensland cases are either people who have recently returned from overseas or have had close contact with those people.

If you start to feel unwell and develop any symptoms at all, but especially a fever or shortness of breath, a cough or a respiratory illness, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Call ahead to your GP or emergency department and tell them about your symptoms and your recent travel or close contact, so they can prepare for your visit.

For more information about the Coronavirus please visit Queensland Health’s website www.health.qld.gov.au”

- Cr Liz Schmidt, Mayor | Chair, Local Disaster Management Group

OGG 28 March 2020