Kingaroy pilot and freight driver tests positive to Covid-19 in Melbourne after flying from Brisbane to Hong Kong

It’s been confirmed a pilot who lives in Kingaroy has tested positive to Covid-19 in Melbourne, after flying from Brisbane to Hong Kong.

It’s been confirmed a Kingaroy man has tested positive for Covid-19, but Queensland Health has moved to assure the community the case presents a low risk to others.

The case was confirmed on Sunday morning, September 5, by chief health officer Jeannette Young.

Dr Young said two cases were detected interstate in people who spent time in Queensland, including a Qantas pilot who lives on a cattle property in Kingaroy.

He travelled from his home to Brisbane, where he saw his mother, and then he flew to Hong Kong, arrived in Melbourne, where he tested positive.

The pilot also works part time as a freight driver.

Despite the news, Queensland Health has not listed any exposure sites in the South Burnett region.

It’s understood the pilot travelled directly from his property to Brisbane, before flying out of the country.

A spokeswoman said there was currently a “low risk” to the community in relation to the case.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington called for the community to be aware of the risks the virus still posed to the region.

“As per Queensland Health, there’s no need for our community to be alarmed, just aware,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and get tested if they have symptoms.

“It’s imperative that our community utilise any vaccination centres available, so please register and get it done.”

Queensland has also recorded one new local case of Covid with the mother of an infected four-year-old child testing positive.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning said there were 16 active cases across the state, while about 15,000 vaccinations were administered by Queensland Health in the same time frame.

She said now was the time for Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves and get the jab.

“It is imperative that you get vaccinated because this virus will pop up in the near future,” she said.

“I cannot stress to you … if you’re sitting at home, and you’re thinking, ‘well, I might just wait’, don’t wait,” the Premier said.

“Every single person that gets vaccinated is protecting us from having a huge outbreak.”

Ms Palaszczuk stressed it was important for Queenslanders to continue to use the check-in app.