Queensland has recorded one new case of the pandemic virus in hotel quarantine as authorities continue to monitor the situation in NSW and Victoria closely. Victoria has announced another 12 cases of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, 10 of them locally acquired, while NSW has seven new cases amid concerns about chains of transmission in western Sydney. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has introduced compulsory mask wearing for Greater Sydney residents in some public indoor spaces, including shopping centres and on public transport, from midnight Saturday. Anyone caught flouting the new rules will face $200 fines. The new Queensland case takes total numbers of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases since the pandemic began to 1255, including 13 active infections.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young urged Queenslanders to reconsider travel to NSW and Victoria. Victoria s own assessment of the situation is that the risk of spread is right across the state, not just in Melbourne, which is why they have imposed restrictions across their entire state. This is very serious and we re taking this action now, like we did with New South Wales â this will ensure we know of any positive cases really early and we can manage our response accordingly.
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Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.(Nine)
Anyone currently in Queensland who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December should get tested immediately and quarantine at home or their accommodation until they receive a negative result.