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Covid Queensland: 3 new cases, restrictions extended

Queensland has reported three new cases of community-transmitted coronavirus including a fully-vaccinated airport worker.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters on Thursday the three new cases include a 12-year-old boy recently returned from the United States, his dad and the airport worker.

“What happened was they had completed their quarantine in Sydney and they flew into Brisbane on QF544 on the 9th of July and that 12-year-old has tested positive,” the premier said.

“The close contact of the 12-year-old, a parent, has tested positive and then we also have a fully vaccinated international airport worker who has tested positive. We are treating that as three cases in the community and we are a little bit concerned about that.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addresses the media during a press conference in Brisbane.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a mask mandate will continue for another week. Source: AAP

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the airport worker, a woman, is "very unlikely" to become sick but had a few symptoms.

“She is very unlikely to need ICU and extremely unlikely to die from the infection, but she can still pass it on," Dr Young said.

Queensland extends mask mandate

Due to the new cases, 11 LGAs in Queensland will prolong its mask mandate for another week which was initially due to end on Friday at 6am.

"We just want to make sure we get on top of those cases and we want to make sure that we keep everybody safe. So, another week of wearing masks," Ms Palaszczuk said.

People are seen wearing protective face masks during lockdown in Brisbane.
People wear masks during lockdown in Brisbane last month. Source: AAP

The 11 LGAs are Brisbane City Council, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said he understood it came as "disappointing news" for businesses and residents alike.

“But it does appear that virus again has escaped either Sydney or the hotel quarantine system," he said.

“The fact is an extra week of masks is better than a lockdown.”

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