Sunshine Coast man tests positive to Covid-19

Health authorities have confirmed that a Sunshine Coast man this afternoon tested positive to Covid-19, just hours before lockdown eases in the region.

A man on the Sunshine Coast has tested positive to coronavirus, making him the latest community acquired case in Queensland.

The man, aged in his 50s, returned a positive result on Friday after undertaking his Covid-19 test on Thursday.

He initially became symptomatic on Wednesday before getting his test Thursday.

Officials are trying to determine how the man contracted the virus and what strain it is.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the man was only in the community while potentially infectious for two days before the lockdown began.

“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,” she said.

Dr Jeannette Young said she expected the Sunshine Coast could still come out of lockdown tonight. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“Contact tracing is already underway and we are contacting everyone that we can identify.

“The man works at the Sippy Downs campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast and was at work on 28 and 29 June.

“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 (on Tuesday, June 29) to get tested, but you do not need to isolate until you receive a result as this venue is classed as low risk.

“As we’ve seen time and time again, the situation is fast-moving, and we will continue to keep the community updated as soon as possible if we need to change our approach.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath urged anyone in the Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs or Maroochydore areas to come forward for testing if unwell.

“We are relying on everyone to help us contain this potential outbreak,” she said.

“That means wearing your mask and using the check-in app, and businesses ensuring their patrons use the app.”

The Sunshine Coast and Noosa local government areas will still come out of lockdown at 6pm tonight.

“I urge all Queenslanders who have been in southeast Queensland to regularly check the list of contact tracing locations on the Queensland Health website,” Dr Young said.

“And please, if you have any symptoms at all – even mild – get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.”