Queensland on alert after PNG traveller in hotel quarantine tests positive to coronavirus

The Queensland government is working with Australian Border Force after a man who had returned from Papua New Guinea tested positive for COVID-19.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is seen during a press conference at Parliament House in Brisbane, Monday, June 15, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Source: AAP

Queensland has reported one new case of coronavirus involving a man who had recently returned from Papua New Guinea, prompting the state to step up monitoring of its porous northern border.

The man, in his 40s, had been in hotel quarantine and tested positive on the seventh day of his 14-day isolation period.

"That means that he hasn't been in contact with anyone out in the community," Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said.

"We know there are increasing numbers of cases in Papua New Guinea, so we're working very closely with the (Australia) Border Force to manage our northern border with Papua New Guinea."
PNG has so far reported 347 cases and three deaths.

Queensland has now made it through 30 days without a case of community transmission of the deadly infection.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said almost 10,000 people had presented for testing in the past 24 hours.

She also announced some small changes to border rules around Goondiwindi to allow movement between communities.
Queensland Police monitored 28 domestic flights into the state in the past 24 hours carrying 1945 passengers and while none was denied entry, 88 people were sent into hotel quarantine.

At the border, 3,939 vehicles were checked and 181 people were refused entry while 110 were sent into quarantine.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said people were still doing the wrong thing, citing the case of a person who tried to enter the state by road, was denied and then entered on the wrong side of the road. They were fined $4,000.

"Queensland is in a very good state when it comes to community transmission ... and that's because we are keeping our borders secure," he said.
Ms Palaszczuk again warned Queensland's border restrictions will remain in place for now, given the coronavirus outbreaks in Victoria, NSW and New Zealand, despite pressure from the federal government.

"We need to keep our measures in place," she said to prevent community transmission of the virus.

The issue will be discussed further when the national cabinet of federal, state and territory leaders meets on Friday.

Meanwhile, a Sunshine Coast aged care home is awaiting a test result for a resident with a suspicious illness after three other elderly people tested negative earlier this week.

Immanuel Gardens in Buderim, operated by Lutheran Services, closed a part of its facility to visitors on Monday after four residents developed respiratory symptoms.

Three returned a negative result and the fourth is waiting to be cleared.
CEO Nick Ryan said the negative results were a relief and everyone would be contacted as soon as the result was known.

"We remain vigilant and are taking all precautions to keep our people safe," he said in a statement.

A section of the complex known as The Terrace is shut, but residents in The View area can still receive visitors.

Queensland authorities are relatively confident the fourth person will be cleared because they hadn't developed further symptoms.

There are just six active cases in the state.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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4 min read
Published 19 August 2020 10:42am
Updated 19 August 2020 10:46am
Source: AAP, SBS



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