Jetstar passenger on flight from Melbourne to Ballina had coronavirus

NSW Health are trying to contact passengers on board a flight to Ballina, after a Victorian on board has tested positive to COVID-19.

The search is on to locate passengers on board a Melbourne to Ballina flight, after a Victorian man on the Jetstar flight has confirmed positive to coronavirus.

Speaking to media on Thursday, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the state had recorded 10 new COVID-19 cases bringing the state’s total to 3338.

Four of those cases are from hotel quarantine, three have been linked to the Crossroads Hotel outbreak and a further three are under investigation.

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Jetstar passengers get health checks at after disembarking a plane from Melbourne. Picture by Damian Shaw

It is understood one of the cases under investigation is a passenger on board Jetstar flight JQ466 from Melbourne who was on board a midday flight into Ballina on Sunday 12 July.

“The person was wearing a surgical mask and was self-isolating,” Ms Chant said. “But we’re doing contact tracing in relation to that Jetstar flight.

“The individual was screened upon arriving into Ballina airport and as I said, since arriving, they were in the 14-day self-isolation and any potential close contacts are being followed up.”

It is understood the flight was less than 20 per cent occupied. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

A spokesperson for Jetstar said the flight, which was less than 20 per cent occupied, was the last flight from Melbourne to Ballina as Victoria battles a growing outbreak.

“We will work with NSW Health to follow the necessary contact tracing procedures,” the statement read.

“NSW Health has confirmed the passenger wore a mask for the duration of their trip and was placed into mandatory quarantine in Ballina, in line with NSW border restrictions.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our number one priority and we have extra measures in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers, including enhanced cleaning and masks and sanitizing wipes.”

A Jetstar passenger heading to Ballina has been recorded as COVID-19 positive. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

The search for any contact cases on board the flight comes as Victoria recorded 317 new cases of coronavirus in 24 hours and two more deaths.

This is the highest daily total since July 10, when Victoria recorded 288 cases in one day.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says two men in their 80s died of the coronavirus overnight. It brings the total number of deaths in the state to 29.

109 patients are currently in hospital, 29 in intensive care.

News.com.au as contacted Jetstar for comment.