North West Hospital and Health Service has confirmed a positive COVID-19 patient in Mount Isa today, 18 December 2021.

The affected community member is now in quarantine under the care of our virtual ward and displays mild symptoms.

Queensland Health were notified of the confirmed test result at around 6am and contact tracing and outbreak plans were immediately commenced. 

The positive COVID-19 case arrived in Mount Isa by air on Thursday 16 December 2021 on Flight QF1076, arriving at approximately 9:00am, and was identified as a close contact from a Brisbane site earlier this week.

Contact tracing is being undertaken by the Townsville Public Health Unit and it is expected that additional exposure sites will be identified. Additional updates will be released as soon as confirmation of sites is received.

Passengers who travelled on Flight QF1076 on Thursday 16 December should come forward for testing in advance of receiving a call from the Contact Tracing Team.  Most people on the flight will be casual contacts who will be required to be tested and to self-isolate until a negative result is received.  Further information will be made available as it comes to hand.

It is expected that additional venues will be identified, and these will be uploaded to the Queensland Health contact site as soon as they are confirmed.

We are preparing for increased testing at the Mount Isa drive-through testing clinic in Doreen Street, which is open now. Anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, is encouraged to come forward and get tested. Please remain in your car and follow directions.

This is a stark reminder of the potential impact of the COVID-19 virus. It is important everyone maintains social distancing, practices good hygiene and gets the COVID-19 vaccination.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get vaccinated now if you haven’t already.

If you have any concerns please call 134 COVID (13 42 68)