Hunt appeals to Greater Brisbane residents to continue vaccine programs

Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced he has given the green light for asymptomatic testing to go ahead in Greater Brisbane after the COVID cluster grew to seven cases. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the Greater Brisbane area would be plunged into a three-day lockdown starting tonight In a press conference following the development Mr Hunt confirmed asymptomatic testing was already underway through GP or Commonwealth respiratory and vaccination clinics. Testing will also be carried out in aged care facilities in Greater Brisbane. Mr Hunt also revealed he had authorised the establishment of a Commonwealth and Queensland aged care response centre. “At this stage there are no signs of any infections that have been transmitted to aged care but we’re taking early pre-emptive action to ensure that those protections are in place,” he said. Finally, the health minister backed the message from the Queensland government asking people in affected areas to continue their vaccination programs on the proviso their GPs approved. “Vaccinations are considered a critical reason to leave home, we would encourage all patients – subject to checking with their doctors – to continue with their vaccination program.”

from Breaking National News and Australian News | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/31pJ78b