Queensland has confirmed one new case of COVID-19, but is yet to announce further border restrictions in response to outbreaks in NSW and Victoria
The case confirmed on Saturday was acquired overseas and the state has maintained its streak of no community transmission.
On Friday, a second case of the South African variant of COVID-19 was confirmed in a recently returned overseas traveller.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the man in his 50s had travelled from South Africa, the UK and Qatar, and was currently in hospital.
The diagnosis follows a Sunshine Coast woman testing positive to Australia’s first case of the South African variant earlier this week.
Dr Young is closely monitoring the NSW cluster and the new Victorian cases.
“While we are not changing any restrictions to New South Wales and Victoria at this stage, as we’ve seen, things can change really quickly with this virus, so I continue to urge Queenslanders travelling to these states to reassess their plans – if it is not necessary, then consider staying here,” she said in a statement on Friday.
“The situation in Victoria and NSW is still very concerning. Queensland is in a good position right now because we acted quickly to declare greater Sydney a hotspot.”
The border is closed to anyone who has been in the COVID declared hotspots of greater Sydney and surrounding areas in the past 14 days.
Border declaration passes are also needed for travellers who have visited NSW since 11 December.
Victoria reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 community transmission on Saturday and NSW continues to try and stem outbreaks in Sydney’s west and the northern beaches. People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’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. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
