Growing coronavirus cluster among Qantas baggage handlers sparks airport fears
In the last 24 hours, South Australia has recorded 30 additional cases of the coronavirus, while an investigation is still ongoing surrounding an outbreak among Qantas baggage handlers at an airport.
Giving an update on Wednesday, South Australia Health’s deputy chief public health officer, Michael Cusack confirmed there are now 11 cases of COVID-19 among baggage handlers at Adelaide Airport.
Mr Cusack said there has also been two additional cases of the virus in family members of baggage handlers.
“In total, in this cluster at the moment are 13 cases,” he told reporters.
“As a result of this we are today expanding the testing criteria to anyone who is sick with symptoms of coronavirus who has been at the airport, including in the terminal or the carpark in the last 14 days.”
These people “should make sure they get themselves tested and should self-quarantine,” he urged.
Mr Cusack said there was no plan for SA Health to advise the government to shut down the airport.
He said as soon as the cluster of cases at the airport was identified yesterday, the department has moved “quickly” to clean the area and isolate the cluster, adding there are over 100 people in self-quarantine as a result.
However, Premier Steven Marshall on Wednesday said he would not rule out closing the airport, if advised to do so.
"To be very clear, we will take our advice from the health professionals," Mr Marshall told reporters.
"Whatever advice that is, we'll put it action straight away, regardless of what it is.
"Our primary focus is on ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of South Australians."
The Transport Workers Union accused the airline of failing to take the proper precautions to protect its staff.
"We are informed that following an initial infection, not enough protections were put in place to stop the spread," TWU SA branch secretary Ian Smith said
"This is very serious as it means Qantas allowed its workers and workers in other companies to become exposed through its own negligence."
Mr Cusack also said of those 30 new cases over the last 24 hours, four were from the Ruby Princess cruise ship, taking South Australia’s total of cases linked to cruise ships to 109.
Overall there are 367 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Australia
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