Mask restrictions remain in place at Bundaberg Hospital as a result of an increase in positive COVID-19 patients.
Under Queensland Health’s COVID-19 guidelines, masks continue to be mandatory when on the grounds of Bundaberg Hospital and surrounding facilities such as Cancer Care and Oral Health Centre, Mental Health Units and the Margaret Rose Centre.
Cases of COVID-19 in Gin Gin, Monto and Gayndah hospitals has resulted in the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service also putting a mandatory mask policy in place at these sites from 8am this morning.
Other WBHHS facilities across our region remain at low risk.
Currently there are 26 confirmed cases at Bundaberg Hospital and a further seven cases at the affected rural sites, though further test results may confirm additional cases.
WBHHS Acting Chief Executive Robyn Scanlan said the additional requirements helped keep staff, patients and the community safe.
“We would like to thank our staff, patients and visitors who have been co-operating with the additional COVID-19 requirements which reduce the risk of transmission,” Ms Scanlan said.
“When cases began to rise last week we expected more positive patients would enter our care this week and we planned appropriately – including for cases at our rural sites.
“The cases that have presented at Gayndah, Monto and Gin Gin has led to our team deciding to place these locations under mask restrictions as well.
“We’re well prepared for an increase in cases thanks to our executive leadership and health emergency operations teams consisting of a diverse mix of experienced doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
“Thanks to the diligent planning of this experienced team that lead us through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service continues to safely provide emergency, outpatient, elective surgery and other normal services.”
WBHHS will advise the public of any further change to visitor requirements if they occur.
