Toowoomba COVID-19 case poses ‘little risk’ to the community

Groom MP John McVeigh says he’s been assured the returned consular official poses little risk to the community.

GROOM MP John McVeigh says he has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) after a consular official returning from Afghanistan became Toowoomba's first COVID-19 case in four months.

The man, in his 20s, was able to travel from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, and then to Toowoomba, where he is now in home quarantine.

The man's wife is also in self quarantine.

"I understand DFAT will be providing further advice about this specific exemption for diplomats who travel the world from any country," Dr McVeigh said.

"There is (currently) an exemption for diplomats around the world to travel freely under the Geneva Convention.

"There is reason to review those exemptions in times of pandemics like COVID-19.

"We need to look at this instance and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Dr McVeigh said health officials had informed in there was "very little risk of spread" of COVID-19 from the man.

"Everything is happening as it should happen." he said.

"Health authorities are very confident about that."

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said it was important for the Toowoomba community to remember the Toowoomba man who returned home had not done anything wrong.

"I understand the concern in the community, but when you examine the facts behind this, I cannot blame the person involved," Cr Antonio said.

"I'm sad that this has happened in Toowoomba and had an impact on us, but be assured that everything that can be done is being done by health professionals and by the police in our area.

"I'm very confident that this is something that will not have any big impact on Toowoomba."

Paul Antonio and John McVeigh.

Cr Antonio said the issue was one various levels of government would learn from.

"There's no doubt that the Prime Minister would know, the Premier knows," he said.

"I think it would be changed in the not too distant future.

"We've learned from this and it won't happen again."

A Darling Downs Health spokesperson called on residents to be kinder to one another on social media after negative comments aimed at the man.

"We know that after so long without a new case in the Darling Downs Health region, it can make you feel worried and upset," the spokesperson said.

"We need to remember that our case yesterday is one of our own.

"They're a Queenslander with a family and friends who need our support and kindness right now. They're just as worried as we are.

"They're also doing everything they can to stop the spread."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning announced she would call on National Cabinet to introduce changes so diplomats had to undertake hotel quarantine.