20 new COVID cases - but only one in community

Queensland has recorded 20 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours – but 19 of those are on a bulk carrier off the state’s north coast.

The 20^th case is a man who arrived in Brisbane from the Philippines, quarantined and returned negative tests before feeling unwell on Monday.

He then tested positive, taking the number of active cases in Queensland to 42 after 17,816 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours and 12,774 vaccinations undertaken.

The man had been staying at the Roma Street City Backpackers and was infectious from July 22. Contact tracers are now working on possible links.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the ship had sailed from the Philippines and arrived in Torres Strait waters on Monday, asking for a pilot and saying crew members were unwell.

Nurses were sent to test the crew and 19 of the 21 returned positive results. The ship is now heading to Weipa.

The sick crew members will be brought down to Brisbane for treatment but with sufficient crew remaining on board for the safety of the vessel.

Dr Young said it was the 13^th “incursion” of the virus in Queensland in the last six weeks and the wearing of masks remains critical.

State Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, the Member for Redcliffe, said: “Given we are seeing an increase in cases in Australia, it is very, very important we are not complacent in Queensland over vaccines.

“It may be the difference going forward.

“It is really important, if you are vulnerable, you get vaccinated. If you are 60 or older go and immediately do it.”

Close contact sites

This table was last updated July 28, 9.49am

If you have been to this location in Queensland at the relevant times you must do the following:

1. immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine
2. get tested at your earliest opportunity
3. complete the online contact tracing form by clicking or tapping on the name for the relevant location in the table below. A pop up window will appear with specific advice for that location and a link to the form.
   If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.

Casual contact sites

This table last updated July 28, 9.49am

If you have been to any of the below locations at the relevant times you must do the following:

1. immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine
2. get tested at your earliest opportunity
3. continue to quarantine until you receive a negative result
4. enter your details into the contact tracing form by clicking or tapping on the name for the relevant location in the table below. You will not be contacted by Queensland Health unless additional information about the exposure changes the risk level
5. continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

Low risk contacts

This table last updated July 28, 9.49am

If you have been to any of the below locations at the relevant times you must do the following:

1. get tested but you do not need to isolate unless you have symptoms
2. if you are experiencing symptoms, quarantine at home until you receive a negative result
3. continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

For more about contact sites click here.

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