Confirmed positive case linked to hotel cleaner

The partner of the quarantine hotel cleaner who tested positive to the UK variant of COVID-19 on 7 January 2021, has also tested positive to COVID-19.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the partner has been in quarantine since 7 January, however additional contact tracing is underway.

“We know this particular variant of COVID-19 is more contagious, so this result is unsurprising,” Dr Young said.

“However, it highlights the importance of why the Greater Brisbane lockdown was so important to ensure any potential spread of the virus is contained.

“This is a really important reminder to follow the advice we’ve been giving – socially distance, wear a mask when required and get tested if you have symptoms.

“The man has been in quarantine since 7 January and has under gone two tests, with one resulting in a positive result today.

“Genome sequencing is underway, however it’s likely to be the UK variant.

“We are determining the man’s potential infectious period and contact tracing is underway

“We usually do not report any new cases until the next reporting period, however I wanted to stress again the importance of anyone, no matter where they are in the state, to come forward for testing if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 whatsoever.”

Dr Young said additional testing of other close contacts of both the man and woman will continue this week.

“We’re asking anyone who has been to specific locations the first positive case has been, to get tested and go into quarantine for 14 days since exposure,” Dr Young said.

“Those are Coles Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown on 5 January 2021, between 0730-0800 or Woolworths Calamvale North on 3 January 2021 between 1100-1200 and Nextra Sunnybank Hills Newsagent Sunnybank Hills on January 5 between 8.00am and 8.15am.

“We are also asking those people to come forward for testing – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

“Critically, even if a negative test result is received, please continue to monitor for symptoms and get retested if necessary.”

There is no change to the restrictions due to come into force in Greater Brisbane tonight.

A 24 hour a day fever clinic has been established at Eight Mile Plains Community Health Centre, 51 McKechnie Drive, Eight Mile Plains. Check the Queensland Health website for other locations near you.

ENDS