In a media conference in Brisbane at noon Friday, Queensland's Health Minister and Chief Health Officer have refused to say people should avoid mass gatherings as calls for social isolation grow.
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Despite a further increase of novel coronavirus cases overnight Health Minister Steven Miles said Queensland Health's advice remains the same.
"If you become unwell within 14 days of travelling overseas you should be tested," Mr Miles said.
"There is no reason people shouldn't attend events like the football in Townsville tonight unless they meet the criteria.
"Of course if they are feeling unwell they should not go"
The advice contradicts that of many in the medical community such as Cloncurry doctor Emma Gillmore who says people should voluntarily self isolate to prevent rapid outbreak and "flatten the curve" of admissions to hospitals.
Speaking about Queensland Health's response to the novel coronavirus outbreak Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said 35 people had contracted the virus in Queensland and the number of new cases grew to eight from seven yesterday with one in Rockhampton and one in Kingaroy,
"If you are unwell stay at home," Dr Young said.
She urges people to practice hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water.
"Always wash your hands before eating and cover your cough and sneeze," she said.
Dr Young said Queensland hospitals were preparing 25% of the population getting COVID-19 in the next six months.
"80% of cases will be mild disease, go home and isolate yourself if mild," she said.
She said the advice was that it was still safe to attend events if well, though that could change in the future.
"It's for event organisers to make their own decisions, I'll give the best advice I can," she said.
Dr Young said there was no point in being tested if not showing symptoms or have not travelled overseas in the last 14 days.
"Our hospitals are for the 20% with severe disease, I'm asking people who are testing to isolate for 2-3 days before a result," she said.
Dr Young said one percent of people might die of the virus.
"Only older people with chronic disease are at risk," she said.
"Though individuals may only get mild disease we don't want them to transfer them to vulnerable people.
"If sick don't visit relative in hospital, stay away and protect older friends and relatives.
Dr Young said the good news was there was no deaths to children under 10 or to pregnant women.
"If you you are well don't go to fever clinic, ring 1300 health if you want advice," she said.
"If you have a respiratory illness, you should not in the community, if you have the flu stay home."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
