Qld premier flags more COVID-19 shutdowns as Australia’s death toll reaches nine
Queenslanders have been warned of stricter lockdown measures in their neighbourhood as the state faces rising COVID-19 diagnoses.
It comes as Australia’s death toll from the coronavirus rose to nine after the death of Garry Kirstenfield, 68, from Toowoomba, who had to receive treatment in the intensive care unit.
Mr Kirstenfield, whose family described him as “kind and adorable”, is believed to have contracted COVID-19 on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that docked in Sydney last week.
Queensland Health said the man “had a serious underlying medical condition before contracting the virus”.
It reports that Mr Kirstenfield’s wife is in self-isolation, together with the rest of his immediate family.
He is the second Queenslander to have died after a 77-year-old woman died on March 15 from the virus in Sydney after a flight from the Sunshine Coast.
Limits on civilian movements will be stepped-up in some parts of the state while others are urged to stay at home.
“What we might see in the future is we may see some areas of our state going into more of a lock down than other parts,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk flagged on Wednesday.
“I want everyone to please be patient and, as soon as we get that advice, we will give that advice to you, I promise to you.”
The latest data shows Australia has 2423 confirmed cases of COVID-19, an increase of 287 cases in 24 hours.
Queensland has a total of 443 cases, less than half that of New South Wales’ 1029.
Victoria has 466 cases, while Western Australia (205), South Australia (197), the ACT (44), Tasmania (34) Northern Territory (five) account for the remainder.
Earlier, Queensland Health confirmed that four staff members at a popular Noosa restaurant and more than a dozen revellers had tested positive for COVID-19 after a birthday party last week.
Mr Palaszczuk said the celebration at Sails Restaurant was a prime example of why people must stay at home.
“This is how coronavirus can spread,” she said.
“It is a very clear signal to everyone that this is now not the time to socialise, it is the time to keep your distance.
“I think this is a really clear example for everyone about why we can no longer have parties.”
Mr Palaszczuk is making no apologies for shutting the state’s borders from Wednesday night in an effort to stem the spread of the deadly illness.
Outsiders are being told not to visit the state and anyone who breaks self-isolation rules faces a $13,000 fine.
Police and health authorities have been making random compliance checks on individuals isolating themselves since January.
Camping grounds will also be closed from Thursday in a bid to encourage people to stay home during the upcoming school break.
All holidays should be cancelled and people are being told to stay inside regardless of whether they are sick.
-with AAP
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