ScoMo exposed as casual contact at Bribie Island Surf Club event

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his health minister Greg Hunt have been confirmed as casual contacts of positive Covid cases after an event in Queensland.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his health minister have dodged a Covid-19 exposure scare, after positive cases emerged from an event held during their recent trip to Queensland.

The event, held at the Bribie Island Surf Club on December 21, was part of a short pre-election blitz of Queensland by Mr Morrison.

Mr Morrison and federal health minister Greg Hunt at the event announced $20m in funding for skin cancer awareness activities.

Cancer Council Australia, who had staff including its chief executive in attendance at the surf club, confirmed it had been made aware of people who had tested positive for Covid-19 after the event.

PM Scott Morrison attends an event at Bribie Island where positive cases later emerged.

The organisation confirmed it had informed the Australian Government, who organised the event, and Queensland Health once the positive cases came to light.

The Prime Minister’s press conference that day was held on the surf club’s balcony with photographs showing much of the main community event was outdoors, though with little social distancing

But Bribie Island Surf Club has not been listed as an exposure site by Queensland Health, with a spokeswoman saying it was “unable to continue to provide detailed information on individual cases and venues” given the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Queensland recorded a further 2222 Covid-19 cases on Thursday.

“As case numbers grow – into the hundreds and thousands per day – it won’t be feasible to continue to attempt to contact trace every contact of every case, particularly in lower risk situations,” the spokeswoman said.

“Similar to other jurisdictions, it may also mean not every exposure venue is published on our website.

“Additionally, a location may also not be added to the website if every person can be contacted directly.”

It is unknown if the positive cases were among guests, staff at the event or back of house staff.

PM Scott Morrison attends an event at Bribie Island where positive cases later emerged.

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister confirmed Mr Morrison, after he had returned to NSW, had been deemed a casual contact by Queensland Health and highlighted the event had not been listed as an exposure site.

“As per the NSW Health guidelines, the Prime Minister was not required to isolate or get tested, and continues to monitor for symptoms,” she said

“Due to extensive travel engagements, the Prime Minister has been subject to regular PCR tests to comply with requirements under state public health orders for travel to Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.”

The Prime Minister’s press conference that day was held indoors, with photographs showing much of the main community event was outdoors though with little social distancing.

Both Mr Morrison and Mr Hunt recently received their Covid-19 vaccine booster shots.

Queensland’s mask-wearing rules for all indoor areas had not yet been reinstated when the event was held.