Covid Qld: One new case, linked to Sunnybank cluster

Queensland has recorded one new community case of Covid, a girl linked to the Sunnybank cluster, as more than 9000 children get the jab.

Queensland has recorded one new community case of Covid, a girl linked to the Sunnybank cluster.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the case was not of concern, with the girl in quarantine.

She said 9000 Pfizer doses had been administered to children aged 12-15 on the first day of vaccinations, with more than 15,000 booked in.

“If you’re a parent and you have a child who’s between that age group they are now eligible for Pfizer and I urge you to go ahead and do this,” she said.

“It’s happening around the world.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the new case was “not surprising” and it was “very good news” the outbreak was controlled so quickly, but reiterated the warning that Delta’s arrival was only a matter of time.

“We know we could have another case come into Queensland at any time,” she said

“This could pop up anywhere.”

The new case was a 15-year-old girl who had attended St Thomas More College and had been in quarantine for her entire infectious period.

There was also a case detected in hotel quarantine.

Queensland Health delivered 20,928 vaccines, with 56.68 per cent having received one dose of the vaccine and about 33 per cent fully vaccinated.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said thousands of families were quarantining, with four positive households now linked to the St Thomas More College cluster.

She encouraged people to go online and book a vaccination.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said 8332 vehicles were intercepted on the state’s borders with an increased number of them turned around.

He said one fine was issued.

Assistant Commissioner Gollschewski said some people had attempted to enter Queensland without securing a hotel quarantine room.

“We have seen some people travelling before that process has been completed,” he said.

It comes as experts warn the same qualities that have helped the Sunshine State evade a full-blown Delta outbreak may yet work against it.

Mild winters and an outdoor culture have helped Southeast Queensland avoid Covid-19 outbreaks such those tearing through NSW and Victoria.

But University of Queensland virologist Associate Professor Ian Mackay said Queensland’s hotter climate might not continue to work in its favour as it moved into spring and summer, when people sought reprieve in airconditioning,