Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Sept 23, 2024 1:39:29 GMT
Lessons learnt from the first two SARS-CoV-2 Omicron waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in six remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective epidemiological review - Published Sept 19, 2024
Abstract
Objective
To describe the preparedness for, epidemiological characteristics of and public health responses to the first and second waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in six remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland from late 2021.
Design
This was a descriptive epidemiological study. Data were collated by each participating public health unit. Case and outbreak characteristics were obtained from the statewide Notifiable Conditions System.
Setting, participants
Six discrete remote First Nations communities across Queensland were selected to represent a broad geographic spread across the state: Badu Island, Cherbourg, Lockhart River, Palm Island, Woorabinda and Yarrabah. People with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test result recorded between 13 December 2021 and 12 June 2022 who acquired the infection and isolated in one of the six communities.
Main outcome measures
COVID-19 vaccination coverage among First Nations people; number of COVID-19 cases reported; and attack rates for each community.
Results
All six First Nations communities led the COVID-19 preparedness and planning. COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates before the first outbreak ranged from 59% to 84% for the first dose and from 39% to 76% for the second dose across the six communities. During the study period, 2624 cases of COVID-19 in these communities were notified to Queensland Health. Attack rates for each community were: Badu Island, 23%; Cherbourg, 34%; Lockhart River, 18%; and Palm Island, Woorabinda and Yarrabah, 35% each. The 2624 cases included 52 cases (2%) involving hospital admission and two cases (< 1%) in which the person died from COVID-19.
Conclusions
It is likely that the co-designed, collaborative partnerships between local councils, community-controlled health services, state health services and public health units positively impacted the management and outcomes of COVID-19 in each of the six communities.
The known: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been heightened concerns for the health and wellbeing of First Nations people across Australia.
The new: This descriptive study was a retrospective epidemiological review of the impact of COVID-19 on six remote First Nations communities in Queensland and their community-led public health responses.
The implications: A community-led approach should be prioritised in other public health responses throughout First Nations communities.
Abstract
Objective
To describe the preparedness for, epidemiological characteristics of and public health responses to the first and second waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in six remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland from late 2021.
Design
This was a descriptive epidemiological study. Data were collated by each participating public health unit. Case and outbreak characteristics were obtained from the statewide Notifiable Conditions System.
Setting, participants
Six discrete remote First Nations communities across Queensland were selected to represent a broad geographic spread across the state: Badu Island, Cherbourg, Lockhart River, Palm Island, Woorabinda and Yarrabah. People with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test result recorded between 13 December 2021 and 12 June 2022 who acquired the infection and isolated in one of the six communities.
Main outcome measures
COVID-19 vaccination coverage among First Nations people; number of COVID-19 cases reported; and attack rates for each community.
Results
All six First Nations communities led the COVID-19 preparedness and planning. COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates before the first outbreak ranged from 59% to 84% for the first dose and from 39% to 76% for the second dose across the six communities. During the study period, 2624 cases of COVID-19 in these communities were notified to Queensland Health. Attack rates for each community were: Badu Island, 23%; Cherbourg, 34%; Lockhart River, 18%; and Palm Island, Woorabinda and Yarrabah, 35% each. The 2624 cases included 52 cases (2%) involving hospital admission and two cases (< 1%) in which the person died from COVID-19.
Conclusions
It is likely that the co-designed, collaborative partnerships between local councils, community-controlled health services, state health services and public health units positively impacted the management and outcomes of COVID-19 in each of the six communities.
The known: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been heightened concerns for the health and wellbeing of First Nations people across Australia.
The new: This descriptive study was a retrospective epidemiological review of the impact of COVID-19 on six remote First Nations communities in Queensland and their community-led public health responses.
The implications: A community-led approach should be prioritised in other public health responses throughout First Nations communities.