NSW visitor identified as likely source of Sunnybank cluster, as five family members test positive

Health authorities are scrambling to identify how the likely source of the latest Covid cluster – a man who travelled from NSW to stay with the father of a schoolgirl who tested positive – was able to make the trip and whether he was allowed to do so.

An interstate visitor has been identified as the likely source of the recent south Brisbane cluster that sparked fears of a potential lockdown this morning.

A New South Wales man travelled across the border and stayed overnight with the father of the Sunnybank schoolgirl whose positive test result sparked the lockdown of a school on Friday morning.

The Sunnybank cluster has grown to five cases, but the Premier says she is reassured that all cases are family members who live across two households.

Hundreds of cars fill the streets around Sir Thomas More School at Sunnybank as parents rush to pick up their children after two cases of COVID-19 were detected in the school. Picture: Sarah Marshall

In addition to the Moorooka father, the Sunnybank mother, the 13-year-old St Thomas More College student and two other household members have tested positive for Covid-19.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said health authorities were unable to confirm whether the NSW visitor was allowed to travel and stay in the Moorooka home on the eve of Father’s Day.

“We know the man stayed at the father’s house for one night, we don’t yet know if he was allowed to be there but we have been doing interviews since late last night,” Dr Young said.

She said investigations and interviews will continue today to find out why the man, who has since returned to NSW, travelled to Brisbane.

Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young speaking earlier this week at the newly opened community vaccination hub at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall. Picture: Dan Peled

While Dr Young is confident the man is the source of the Sunnybank cluster, health authorities do not have his test results yet to confirm whether he is positive with Covid-19.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said “vigilance is everything” when it comes to staying on top of this cluster and any future outbreaks.

“Please everybody, now is the time to do the right thing to keep yourself and your family safe.

“Check in everywhere you go, we can’t afford these delays” Ms D’Ath said.

Ms D’Ath urged Queenslanders to get vaccinated, get tested, and adhere to social distancing measures across the state, but particularly in the South Brisbane and north Logan areas.