March 12, 2021
Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane was placed into immediate lockdown on Friday night after a positive COVID-19 case was detected.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said all non-essential visits to patients would not be allowed.
“If you must attend PA Hospital, you will be required to wear a mask. The Emergency Department will remain open, but if you’re able to receive care at a nearby hospital or at a GP, please do so,” the spokesperson said.
“Staff will wear masks at all times. Patients will be required to wear masks at all times unless it is not clinically appropriate.
“Non-urgent outpatient bookings and elective surgery will be postponed.
“Due to the early stage of this, Queensland Health is in the process of contact tracing the positive case’s movements.
“If there is a risk to the public from the hospital or any other location this person has visited, we will issue a public health alert.
“The person, a staff member at the PA Hospital, had contact with COVID-19 positive patients in the early hours of March 10.”
The staff member was tested on Friday.
“Tests indicate low level of the virus which means the staff member may have only been infectious in the community for around one day on the 11th,” the spokesperson said.
“All patients, staff and families this person interacted with are being identified and appropriate actions are being taken.
“The hospital is actively working to ensure the safety of staff and patients on campus while contact tracing is undertaken.
“Contact tracing is under way and further details will be provided (on Saturday) morning.
“Anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result.”
