Reports of three recently-positive COVID-19 cases transiting through Brisbane Airport has prompted the Chief Health Officer to issue a reminder about mask wearing in airports and on flights.
Jeannette Young said the mask-wearing direction was in place for exactly this reason.
“We know most of our positive cases are overseas-acquired in people travelling to Queensland on planes,” Dr Young said.
“This is why the Australian Government mandated mask wearing on planes and in airports, and we have put in place a specific public health direction in Queensland to enforce it.”
She said it was absolutely critical everyone followed the rules and wore a mask if they had plans to travel.
“While the teams on the ground report a great level of compliance, there has been an increase in people turning up to airports without a mask,” Dr Young said.
“Not only can you be fined $200 on the spot, it is a safety precaution for you and for the people around you. It could be the difference between catching COVID-19 or not.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath said that while Queenslanders had done “an incredible job” of following the health advice “we must not be complacent”.
Dr Young said the three positive COVID-19 cases had had some limited exposure at Brisbane Airport.
“We have completed our contact tracing for all three and I want to reassure Queenslanders that there is no risk to the public — primarily thanks to mask wearing, social distancing and cleaning processes,” the chief Health Officer said.
