UPDATED:Moranbah Airport listed as low risk contact site after pilot tests positive for COVID-19

Update 3 OCTOBER 2021 6:00pm: Moranbah Airport listed as low risk contact site after pilot tests positive for COVID-19

Queensland Health have updated the locations affected by the charter pilot who tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting region. Moranbah Airport is now listed as a Low Risk Contact site. This means if you have been to this venue at the relevant times you must do the following:

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

If you are no longer in Queensland please check with the relevant state health department for health advice and requirements

The pilot was operating a charter flight on Thursday 23 September 2021. He later tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday 28 September 2021 and immediately isolated.

The flight numbers are HeviLift flight HT727 and flight HT728. There were 95 crew and passengers across both flights. At this time anyone who had contact with the pilot is considered a casual contact and have been contacted by Queensland Health.

Key information:

During the flight the pilot had no contact with passengers, The pilot is double vaxed; Passengers on the flight are considered casual contacts and should monitor for symptoms. Pilot and crew are all in quarantine awaiting further testing. Contact tracing is underway.

While the risk to the Moranbah community is very low, as always, please come forward for testing if you have any COVID-19 symptoms at all, even mild.

This serves as a timely reminder that our communities are as vulnerable as our metro counterparts and herd immunity through vaccination is our best chance at avoiding the spread of COVID-19.

Council is committed to supporting Queensland Health as the lead agency responsible for responding to the emerging situation. Stay informed through Queensland Health’s website and Facebook page.

Council urges all residents and workers to take advantage of the upcoming vaccination clinics throughout the region. For a list of upcoming clinics visit: https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/covid19-vaccine/

For a list of local GPs and pharmacies visit:

https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/3996/covid-vaccination-locations

Published: 3rd October 2021