'This will come back to bite us': NRL in hot water as worrying photos emerge of thousands of fans packed on a hill to watch a clash in Queensland
- Huge crowds at NRL game in Queensland have sparked fears of a second wave
- More than 5,400 people packed into the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday
- Fans and onlookers are now concerned COVID-19 could have spread there
Huge crowds at an NRL game in Queensland have sparked fears of a second wave of coronavirus as police probe whether social distancing measures were enforced.
More than 5,400 people packed into the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday afternoon to watch the Melbourne Storm beat the Newcastle Knights 26-16.
But photos taken at the stadium - particularly on the eastern hill - have since raised concerns over whether Queenslanders are taking health directives seriously amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Shame on us. Has QLD not been watching Victoria? If you want to spend 6 weeks under curfew, by all means keep being complacent for the sake of your entertainment,' one concerned onlooker said after the match.
More than 5,400 people packed into the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday afternoon to watch the Melbourne Storm beat the Newcastle Knights 26-16
Photos taken at the stadium - particularly on the eastern hill - have since raised concerns over whether Queenslanders are taking health directives seriously amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The eastern hill's usual capacity is about 6,500 and there were only 2,830 fans there at the weekend, but photos taken at the event show packed crowds - some sitting shoulder to shoulder.
It is understood five Queensland Health officials were patrolling the area to ensure health directives were being implemented - and no official concerns were raised during or after the match.
Queensland Police confirmed they would be contacting management to probe the social distancing measures.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young have implored people to socially distance as new cases are identified in Brisbane.
Three women who allegedly lied on their border entry forms when returning to Queensland from Victoria are believed to be behind a potential second wave.
Ms Palaszczuk said the next week are vital in the state's fight against the deadly respiratory infection.
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The eastern hill's usual capacity is about 6,500 and there were only 2,830 fans there at the weekend
Photos taken at the event show packed crowds - some sitting shoulder to shoulder
Dr Young agreed, and said social distancing was even more effective than wearing a mask while out in public.
'It's far, far more important to maintain that social distancing,' she said
'I strongly encourage people to stay 1.5 metres away from other people as much as possible, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser often, and leave a location if it is crowded.
'If people aren't doing the social distancing, if you're going into a shopping centre or if you're going into a supermarket, leave. Come back at another time.'
Following the game, Melbourne Storm officials requested a review of the stadium's crowd management practices and capacity ahead of its match against Canterbury Bulldogs next week.
'The stadium operates under a site specific COVID safe plan approved by Queensland Health and includes having Queensland Police in attendance,' the statement read.
'Today's attendance of 5,437 was inside the 50 per cent capacity approved by Queensland Health for sporting events of this nature in Queensland.'
Concerned onlookers shared their opinions on Twitter after the match
There are now 13 active COVID-19 cases in Queensland, with more than 13,700 tests done in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.
The man, in his 20s, is currently in quarantine after flying into Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast, on July 31 on Jetstar flight JQ790.
He was infectious on the flight and health authorities are tracing people who sat near him, Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, 104 residents at a Brisbane nursing home have returned negative results after being tested.
It was confirmed on Saturday a woman who works at the Bolton Clarke aged care facility at Pinjarra Hills had tested positive.
One resident was unable to be tested but Dr Young said it was no cause for concern.
The resident will be quarantined for a fortnight and monitored, she said.
It comes after two consecutive days of community transmission after three young women sparked panic in the state by travelling from Melbourne.
Diana Lasu, 21, and Olivia Winnie Muranga, 19, allegedly lied on their border declarations about where they had been when they arrived in Brisbane from Melbourne via Sydney on July 21.
Diana Lasu (right), 21, and Olivia Winnie Muranga (left), 19, allegedly lied on their border declarations about where they had been when they arrived in Brisbane from Melbourne via Sydney on July 21
