The first cases of coronavirus have been detected in the Aboriginal community of Palm Island in north Queensland, sparking fears that the town's transmission rate may explode.
One of the six cases detected was a pregnant woman who has been transferred to the Townsville University Hospital.
Palm Island Mayor Mislam Sam said the mood on the island, with a population of more than 2,500, was tense.
"I've been out checking on everyone … getting out there and just allaying some fears that might be growing in the community," Mr Sam said.
"We've got a high population with serious underlying health issues, so no doubt it's going to be stressing and depressing for most of my community."
Mr Sam said that now the virus had made its way onto the island, case numbers were expected to blow out.
A site has been established on the island offering PCR tests to residents.
Mr Sam said while he wanted everyone on Palm Island to get tested, he also wanted his community to only leave their homes for essential reasons.
"We're just trying to counteract the transmission rates as much as possible."
Door-to-door vaccinations needed
More concerning, Mr Sam said, was Palm Island's low vaccination rates.
About 44 per cent of residents aged over 16 have been fully vaccinated according to the most recent data from Queensland Health.
Townsville University Hospital chief executive Kieran Keys said a door-to-door vaccination service would be offered to boost the numbers.
Mr Sam said he felt social media messages were dissuading his community from getting vaccinated.
Concerns of an outbreak were so grim that the council accepted a temporary morgue, calling it "the starkest reminder yet that locals are at serious risk of illness and death from COVID".
Mr Sam said the move was about being prepared for the worst-case situation.
"It's caused many sleepless nights for me, but look, it's better to be prepared for this event."
