Qantas baggage handlers test positive to COVID-19 as South Australia records 32 new cases

Around 100 other baggage handlers are now being investigated, with a large number expected to be forced to self-isolate for 14 days.

Qantas said it is working to minimise any disruptions to customers who are flying in and out of Adelaide, although passenger numbers are significantly reduced due to government travel restrictions.

“Seven flights to and from Adelaide are affected,” a Qantas spokesperson told Travel Weekly.

“This includes one Sydney flight that was on its way to Adelaide which will return to Sydney and passengers will be provided with accommodation and put on alternative services [on Wednesday].”

Qantas said it was working closely with SA Health to conduct a thorough trace for each of the confirmed cases.

“In addition to enhanced cleaning measures introduced since the coronavirus outbreak at airports and on aircraft, we are conducting extensive cleaning of common areas used by these employees in Adelaide.”

South Australia’s chief public health officer, Nicola Spurrier, said on Tuesday that she recommended for anyone who travelled through the airport over the past few days to wipe their luggage.

SA Health says it is investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases among Qantas baggage handlers at the Adelaide Airport, as the state records 32 new cases.

Six baggage handlers have tested positive to COVID-19.

Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said about 100 other people work in the immediate area of the airport, and a "significant number" of people would be required to self-quarantine.

Dr Spurrier recommended people who have travelled through the airport in the past 24 hours to give their bags a wipe-over

It is more worrying every day in SA,   The virus mutated into the local community - moistly in the cities and even though 50 000 odd has ben tested and 1380 found positive the problem is that the Government fears a massive number is possible, 

If the same percentage number continues the situation would be iro the total SA population the total affected people could be 1,5 million people being positive,     That idea is horrific and lead to a million deaths or more - which would be destructive and lead to the collapse of the whole health system in SA, since treatment of that number would be impossible and the death rate be very high.

How many people have thus far tested positive in Australia and New Zealand? .          

Mike, it was reported today that 1% of the population has been tested in Oz , they also say it's more than in any other country.

Cloudy

No, none that I've heard of. Thing is we now know the virus lives on hard surfaces, having had a look at the shot Brycy posted of the domestic flights over the USA which really equates to a partial lockdown you'd have to think they're chasing their tail in trying to flatten the curve.

Cloudy

I think Australia went into lockdown ahead of NZ. Just saying that is why we're already getting  an outcome, also think the two countries have a similar model.

Don't know. They went into lockdown and U Turned a flight from Sydney which was about to land.

No, I can confirm it's not Sydney baggage handlers.