Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk provides update on COVID-19 and Cross River Rail

Queensland has one new case of coronavirus, with a COVID-19 positive crewman taken to hospital from a bulk carrier off the Sunshine Coast. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the man was ‘completely secure’ and authorities were monitoring the vessel.

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Queensland has a new coronavirus case after a COVID-positive crewman on board a bulk carrier off the Sunshine Coast was taken to hospital.

And there could be more, with another 18 crew believed to be on board the Panamanian-registered vessel.

It’s understood the man, aged in his 20s, was brought ashore from the ship called the Hokkaido with the help of water police on Sunday.

He was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for quarantine.

Queensland now has two active cases.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the State Government was notified of the case at the weekend, with health authorities visiting the ship to conduct the testing.

“We’re not concerned about it, it is a person who was tested positive on a cargo vessel,” the Premier said.

“They’re now in hospital, and they are completely secure, so we have absolutely no concerns about that.”

Authorities are now monitoring the vessel.

Meanwhile, Ms Palaszczuk said mandatory masks would be considered in Queensland should the number of COVID-19 cases spiral like they have in Victoria.

“Of course that would always be an option, I mean why wouldn’t it be,” she said.

“It’s about the safety of Queenslanders first and we would take whatever measures are necessary to protect the lives of Queenslanders.”

She said Queensland’s stockpile of masks was sufficient.

Authorities are continuing to monitor hotspots in New South Wales.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced masks and face coverings will be made mandatory in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire from 11.59pm on Wednesday.

Mr Andrews said Victoria has recorded 363 new cases of coronavirus over the past 24 hours including three deaths.

People defying the rules will face a $200 fine, Mr Andrews said.

Originally published as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk provides update on COVID-19 and Cross River Rail