New Covid case reported hours before region's lockdown ends
A Sunshine Coast man has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before lockdown is set to be lifted in parts of South East Queensland.
The Sippy Downs resident, aged in his 50s, returned a positive test on Friday.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the man was out in the community and potentially infectious for two days on June 28 and 29 before lockdown commenced.
"The man works at the Sippy Downs campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast and was at work on 28 and 29 June," she said.
"He had minimal contact with others so it will not be listed as a contact tracing site, but as always, anyone with symptoms, come forward for testing immediately.
"In addition, we’re asking anyone who was at Coles at Sippy Downs from 8.15am to 8.35am to get tested, but you do not need to isolate until you receive a result as this venue is classed as low risk."
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said this case would be included in Saturday's coronavirus count.
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“The man was only in the community while potentially infectious for two days before the lockdown began, at his workplace, and briefly during lockdown,” she said on Friday.
“Because of this, I am confident we can continue with the eased lockdown for the Sunshine Coast this afternoon, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation."
Noosa and Sunshine Coast areas will still come out of lockdown on Friday at 6pm as scheduled while the Greater Brisbane area will remain in lockdown.
Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Townsville will also see lockdown end at 6pm.
The Brisbane lockdown was extended on Friday morning for a further 24 hours after two cases of community transmitted coronavirus were detected.
More to come.
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