Brisbane braces for more Delta cases
Queensland is bracing for more COVID-19 cases as health authorities work to determine if an infection in North Queensland poses a risk to the community.
The cluster based in Brisbane's west has risen to 47 cases, with 16 new infections announced on Tuesday.
A 17th case was reported in North Queensland on Tuesday afternoon, with contact tracing locations announced in Cairns, Trinity Beach and Yorkey's Knob. A Qantas flight from Brisbane to Cairns on Thursday morning has also been listed.
The circumstances are currently being investigated and Queensland Health advised more information would be released at Wednesday's press conference.
"Tests are currently being performed to determine whether there is any infection risk to the community," it said in a statement.
The number of close contact exposure sites is approaching 150, with recent additions including Kmart, McDonalds and Aldi in Indooroopilly, a swim school in St Lucia and a netball court in Graceville, as well as a site on the Gold Coast.
Dr Young says high testing numbers are crucial with uncertainty remaining about how the outbreak is linked to the initial two cases who arrived from overseas in late June.
"It's really important so that we can just make sure that we don't have any other transmission events," she said.
Just under 35,000 tests were reported in the 24-hour period to Tuesday morning.
There is still hope the lockdown that stretches from the southern border to Noosa will lift as planned at 4pm on Sunday.
"Everyone just stay at home if you can at all, and that way we'll get through this, and we can lift on Sunday. That's absolutely my aim," Dr Young said.
Meanwhile, Queensland Police are installing RBT-style roadblocks to ensure drivers have a valid reason for travelling.
"We'll start RBT-type stops at intersections to check if people are allowed out for a valid reason," Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
"There is nothing to fear if people are doing the right thing."
