Lismore kicked out of Qld bubble after positive case

Anyone who has been in the Lismore area in the past 14 days has been warned to stay away from Queensland after a positive Covid case was identified in the area.

Lismore has been kicked out of the Queensland/NSW border bubble after a positive Covid case was identified in the area.

Queensland Health announced the decision to reinstate border restrictions on Thursday afternoon ahead of stay-at-home orders being reinstated for the northern NSW town at 6pm.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said it was “critically important” that no-one who had been in the local government area in the past 14 days enter Queensland.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young during a press conference in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“Those currently in Queensland who have been in the Lismore area in the last 14 days should come forward, get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result,” Dr Young said.

“We know the situation can quickly escalate with this virus, which is why it is important we respond appropriately.”

Dr Young said she was receiving regular updates from NSW regarding their cases.

“We are closely monitoring COVID-19 developments in New South Wales and will continue to review restrictions as the situation escalates and de-escalates,” she said.

“I understand this is tough for some, but it is necessary in ensuring we can continue to protect Queenslanders.”

Only limited groups of people will be able to enter Queensland if they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot.

This includes people accessing essential health care, complying with court orders, fulfilling child custody arrangements, or those people endorsed to enter as specialist workers.