14 October 2020

Positive COVID-19 passenger transits through Canberra Airport

| Michael Weaver
Start the conversation
Passengers at Canberra Airport recently

Passengers at Canberra Airport recently. Photo: File.

ACT Health has reported that a woman in her 30s who tested positive to COVID-19 transited through Canberra Airport on 7 October.

The woman travelled from Townsville to Melbourne by air and passed through Canberra Airport for a short period last Wednesday.

She tested positive three days after arriving in Melbourne and was asymptomatic during her stopover at Canberra Airport between 8:30 am and 10:00 am. She wore a mask on all flights and in the airport.

An ACT Health spokesperson said they are working with public health units in Victoria and Queensland to investigate and confirm her source of exposure. A contact tracing of flights is underway. This work is taking place in line with national public health guidelines.

ACT Health is also contacting passengers and crew on flight QF1543 from Brisbane to Canberra who may have been in close contact with this particular passenger.

“As a precaution, we are also advising anybody who was in the Canberra Airport at gate 13 or 14 during this period to watch for symptoms and if symptoms develop, isolate and get tested for COVID-19,” the ACT Health spokesperson said.

“Although there is a low likelihood of virus transmission to Canberrans in this instance, as borders begin to open across Australia, this is a timely reminder that COVID-19 is still here and the situation can change quickly.”

Travellers are also being reminded to take appropriate and recommended precautions to minimise the risk to themselves while travelling.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.