Health authorities in Queensland have revealed that one of two women who tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Melbourne did not assist with contact tracing.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young encouraged all Queenslanders to download the COVIDSafe app after having failed to comply with one of three cases reported on Wednesday.
We have now contact traced all of the people who have been in close contact with that first confirmed case that went to Melbourne,” she told reporters on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, the second confirmed case has not wanted to let us know where she has been so, therefore, that is why I am spreading that message that if anyone is unwell, to please get tested because I don’t know where that second case has been.
“That is really, really important.”
“That is why I am saying that people should be very cautious if they have got any symptoms at all, doesn’t matter where they live, in Brisbane, or indeed anywhere in the state, this is the time to get yourself tested.”
She urged all people to make sure they leave their contact details when visiting public areas and to download the COVIDSafe app.
“These are other things you can do to help yourself and your family in the community,” she said.
Queensland Police say they have identified the three women.
“I am very disappointed with them at this stage, they went to extraordinary lengths to be deceitful and deceptive, and quite frankly criminal in their behaviour, and it has put the community at risk,” Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was “unbelievable” to think “Queenslanders are putting other Queenslanders at risk”.
“That’s what really annoys me here,” she said.
“There is a social responsibility here for everyone to do the right thing and they’ve put the health of Queenslanders and their families at risk.”