Queensland COVID-19 updates
This page contains the latest updates and information for pharmacists in Queensland.
For nationally relevant information visit PSA’s dedicated COVID-19 web page.
Greater Brisbane was placed under enhanced restrictions in early January 2021 following detection of COVID-19 hotel quarantine leakage. These restrictions end at 1am 22 January 2021.
The following local government areas in greater Brisbane which have been subject of these restrictions revert to the same restrictions as the rest of Queensland at this time:
- Brisbane
- Ipswich
- Logan
- Moreton Bay
- Redlands
People who have been in these local council since 2 January 2021 areas also need to adhere to these restrictions.
Queensland Health has published information on restrictions, and FAQs on their website.
Key points for pharmacists:
- All pharmacists, pharmacy staff and patients must wear masks at work until 1am 22 January 2021. Once the legal mandate ends, masks remain recommended where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as pharmacy workplaces
- Continue to adhere to medicine supply limits
- Direct anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms, or people who have been to exposures sites to COVID-19 testing centres and isolate until they receive their results
- Actively communicate these restrictions to patients, colleagues, family and friends – including via social media.
PSA will continue to keep members updated via the PSA Early Career Pharmacist Facebook group. Members can contact our team via phone on 1300 369 772 (available until 7.00pm (Qld) weeknights) or membership@psa.org.au.
Face masks required in Greater Brisbane
Until 1am 22 January 2021, all pharmacists and pharmacy staff in the greater Brisbane region must:
- Wear a surgical mask whilst at work
- Wear eye protection when within 1.5m of patients (see below).
After this time, it is recommended people carry face masks at all times, and wear masks where physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as pharmacy workplaces.
UPDATE 8 January 2021 – The Queensland Government has announced a 3 day lockdown for Greater Brisbane. Information on the restrictions available here.
- Letter to Pharmacist – PPE precautions for all patient interactions (24 August 2020)
- PPE risk and escalation advice (24 August 2020)
- Prescribing, Dispensing or Supply of Hydroxychloroquine Direction (15 April 2020)
- Fact sheet: Prescribing and Dispensing Hydroxychloroquine Direction (15 April 2020)
- Community pharmacy – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Queensland Health)
- Increasing presentations, vulnerable staff, coronial reporting (Queensland Health)
- Maximise preparedness, mobile phones, testing criteria update (Queensland Health)
The current testing criteria in Queensland can be found here.
QLD Health has published information and advice for Queensland Opioid Treatment Program providers to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access the fact sheet containing key information and actions for consideration to assist pharmacists in maintaining the care of patients receiving treatment here.
General information on the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program can be accessed here.
Your local Public Health Unit can be found on the Queensland Health website.
Fever clinics are specialist clinics for people who may be infected with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These clinics help to keep people who may be contagious away from other areas of hospitals and health centres. This helps to reduce the potential spread of the virus and keeps the emergency department available for emergencies.
Queensland fever clinics are managed by each individual Hospital and Health Services (HHS). GPs should check their local HHS website for details and opening times of the fever clinics in their local area.
| PHN | Phone | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast | (07) 5456 8100 | info@ourphn.org.au | www.ourphn.org.au |
| Gold Coast | 07 5635 2455 | info@gcphn.com.au | www.healthygc.com.au |
| Western Queensland | 07 4573 1900 | admin@wqphn.com.au | www.wqphn.com.au |
| Darling Downs and West Moreton | 07 4615 0900 | info@ddwmphn.com.au | www.ddwmphn.com.au |
| Northern Queensland | 07 4034 0300 | hello@primaryhealth.com.au | www.primaryhealth.com.au |
| Brisbane North | 07 3630 7300 | contactus@brisbanenorthphn.org.au | www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au |
| Brisbane South | 1300 467 265 | contactus@bsphn.org.au | www.bsphn.org.au |
If you have any queries or are looking for the latest, up-to-date advice regarding COVID-19 in your state or territory, please contact your local PSA office.
PSA Submission to Queensland Parliament – Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee – Inquiry into the Queensland Government’s health response to COVID-19. Download the full submission here.