Queensland has recorded a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours including the state's youngest case.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As of Thursday March 19, Queensland has 50 new confirmed cases raising the state total to 144.
The cases range in age from one to 79 and they are also occuring over a wider geographical spread.
Darling Downs had its first case today while there was one international case managed from Cairns.
Queensland Health said contact tracing was underway for the 50 new cases and the majority of cases remain to be from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas.
"Today's total is a significant increase in comparison to what we have seen so far, and we understand members of the community may feel concerned and anxious," Queensland Health said.
"It's important for Queenslanders to remain calm and keep informed.
"We want everyone to know they can play their part to protect themselves and the more vulnerable in our community. Please follow the recommended advice from us and our federal counterparts in regards to social distancing, public gatherings and general wellbeing."
READ ALSO
This means practicing good hygiene and staying home if you're sick. Washing your hands properly and often is the gold standard of health advice that can help prevent viruses from entering your body.
Queensland Health is urging anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days and has a fever or any respiratory symptoms to see a doctor immediately. Please call ahead to the GP surgery and let them know your symptoms and travel history, this will help them prepare for your arrival.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus.
This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here