Zero New CCP Virus Cases in Queensland but Viral Fragments Detected in Sewage

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at a press conference in Brisbane, Australia on Jan. 11, 2021. Jono Searle/Getty Images

Queensland reported zero new cases of the CCP virus on Australia Day, but the state government warned that viral fragments were detected in multiple parts of the state.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters that fragments of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, were detected at seven wastewater sites around Queensland, including in Townsville, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, and Yeppoon.

“While this does not mean we have new cases of COVID-19 in these communities, we are treating these detections seriously,” Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said on Jan. 26. “I continue to urge anyone who feels unwell in these communities to get tested and isolate.”

Palaszczuk, who is in Townsville for a state cabinet meeting, also took the opportunity to say she had a wonderful time celebrating Australia Day in the north Queensland city.

The state cabinet meeting will meet in Townsville on Jan. 27 when Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young is expected to brief them about the rollout of the vaccine.

Palaszczuk reiterated Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement that the rollout would most likely start at the end of next month.

She said Young would detail how the Pfizer vaccine would be distributed in Queensland once it arrived from overseas.

The Pfizer vaccine is the first vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval of the vaccine on Jan. 25, one year after Australia confirmed its first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus.

The target of vaccinating four million people by late March has been pushed back to early April, with suppliers’ global commitments affecting the rollout speed.

The provisional approval is granted for two years. It is strictly conditional on Pfizer continuing to provide information to the TGA on the long term efficacy and safety of the vaccine from ongoing clinical trials and post-market assessments.

As an added safety check, the TGA will test every batch before it can be supplied in Australia.