A family that made a secret dash from Sydney into Queensland has been fined for breaching border restrictions.
A 33-year-old man and a child flew to Sydney last week, then drove back to Townsville without undergoing quarantine.
Police said the man from Bushland Beach has been fined $4,135 for breaching border restrictions.
Pimlico State High School staff raised the alarm about the border breach on Wednesday when the child involved told teachers they had returned from the New South Wales capital.
A Townsville Public Health Unit spokesperson said the student tested negative for COVID-19 and remains in quarantine after briefly travelling to the hotspot.
Townsville Police have condemned the "stupidity" of the man for putting the city and Queensland at risk of the Delta strain.
"They came in using a motor vehicle across the border — in contradiction to the Chief Health Officer's direction."
Chief Superintendent Hanlon would not give further detail about how the pair crossed the border.
"We're hopeful that we stopped Delta coming into Queensland," he said.
In a letter released to the school community, principal Joel Buchholz said the swift action of the authorities provided the school with the reassurance that it would be able to remain open and operate as normal.
"I again wish to assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority," the letter said.
"Please be assured that our school will continue to take all appropriate precautions regarding health and hygiene and we will continue to take the advice of Queensland Health.
"I appreciate that the events of the past two days will have caused concern for many members of our school community.
"I am thankful for the patience and support that has been demonstrated by our families and the professionalism exhibited by our amazing staff during this period of uncertainty."
There are no positive cases of COVID-19 or current exposure venues in Townsville.
