Jereme Lane

Journalist

DNA sequencing has confirmed that the maritime pilot who tested positive to Covid-19 in Cairns yesterday has the Delta variant, however it is not linked to the outbreak in South East Queensland.

Because of the man’s occupation as a maritime pilot, there is a strong possibility that he became infected whilst onboard a ship.

Investigation into the source of the infection is ongoing however it has been confirmed by Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young that the man was completely vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in March.

“He has very high CT values, extremely high, so that mean very little virus,” Young said.

The man’s partner and child have returned negative tests however they did take the child to a childcare centre which resulted in it being closed yesterday.

Young said that while the risk is low, it is not zero and Queensland Health are asking people to be vigilant and get tested if they’re experiencing any symptoms.

“There’s only a small amount of virus there but there was enough virus to sequence so there is enough virus there to infect someone,” she said.

A full list of current Cairns region exposure sites can be found below.

CLOSE CONTACTS

The advice for close contacts is to quarantine immediately and get tested at your earliest opportunity. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. Anyone who has visited a close contact site should also complete a contact tracing form.

Friday 30 July

• Bluewater Village Early Learning, 1-7 Maritime Way, Trinity Beach 12am to 11.59pm
• 1300SMILES Dental Practice, Cairns Central Shopping Centre: Waiting room and reception area, 8.40am to 10.30am

Sunday 1 August

• Hidden Café, 12-14 Deauville Close, Yorkeys Knob 10am to 12.15pm

Monday 2 August

• Bluewater Village Early Learning, 1-7 Maritime Way, Trinity Beach 12am to 11.59pm

Tuesday 3 August

• Bluewater Village Early Learning, 1-7 Maritime Way, Trinity Beach 12am to 11.59pm

CASUAL CONTACTS

The advice for casual contacts is to quarantine at home immediately and get tested at your earliest opportunity. Continue to quarantine until you receive a negative result. Anyone who has visited a casual contact site should also complete a contact tracing form.

Thursday 29 July

• Cairns Airport baggage carousel, 1 Airport Av, Cairns North 11.15am to 11.45am
• JB Hi-Fi, Cairns Central, Store 1-2, Level 1 Corner Mcleod St & Spence St, Cairns City 12.10pm to 12.50pm
• Qantas flight QF708 (Casual contact unless contacted by a Public Health Official), Brisbane to Cairns 9.17am to 11.15am

Saturday 31 July

• Blu Marlin Bistro, Pier Cairns, 1 Spence St, Cairns City 8am to 9am
• Reef Fleet Terminal Pier Cairns, 1 Spence St, Cairns City, 8am to 9am

LOW-RISK CONTACTS

The advice for low-risk contacts is to get tested but you do not need to isolate unless you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

Continue to monitor for symptoms.

Thursday 29 July

• Cairns Domestic Airport (other than baggage carousel), 1 Airport Av, Cairns North 11.15am to 11.45am

Friday 30 July

• Cairns Central Shopping Centre, McLeod St, Cairns City 8am to 10.30am

Saturday 31 July

• Fitzroy Island