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ABC News
ABC News
Health
By Emma Pollard

Has Queensland dodged a bullet? Health authorities cautiously optimistic recent coronavirus cluster contained

Queensland has been on tenterhooks since the news broke that two women flew into Brisbane on July 21 after contracting coronavirus while in Melbourne.

Another three cases of COVID-19 were linked to the pair, including one woman who works in a nursing home.

But no further community transmission has been detected, despite record numbers of people being tested for the disease.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said if no cases were recorded on Monday, she might be able to say Queensland had avoided the worst.

"We all know that 14-day incubation period and we all know that there are cases — around 20 per cent or so — that don't get any symptoms, so then you have to wait until they've spread it to someone else to be able to pick it up," Dr Young said.

"So Monday is when I'll be able to say that I think that we've probably — and it's always a probable, unfortunately — probably avoided further cases out of that cluster due to those young women who went down to Melbourne."

Local mayor relieved

The women visited schools, shops and restaurants across Logan and Brisbane while they were potentially infectious.

Logan Mayor Darren Power said he was relieved the city appeared to have dodged a bullet.

"Very relieved and Logan is very relieved for obvious reasons: we were in the headlines for a week or so and it's something I didn't like in my city and a lot of residents were feeling very very concerned about what was going on," he said.

"We can rest a little bit easier, but at the same time we've got to be very, very vigilant to continue the same work that we're all doing."

Mr Power said the coronavirus cluster was a scare for his community.

"We had a record amount of testing done, we had all these testing locations happening and I know that people were doing the right thing and getting tested, everyone was very concerned," he said.

Police forced to disperse large beach party

Police in Far North Queensland said they had to break up a crowd of 200 to 300 people who were partying on Wangetti Beach north of Cairns on Saturday morning.

Officers said people were illegally camping, alcohol was being consumed on the beach and a stage was set up with a DJ playing loud music.

Acting Superintendent Mark Linwood urged Queenslanders not to ignore the coronavirus health warnings and directions.

"By and large Queenslanders have done a great job in combating COVID-19, but we cannot and must not become complacent," he said.

"COVID-19 and the threat it poses to all Queensland communities is real. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure they are practising effective social distancing and following the directions as set out by the Chief Health Officer."

A 35-year-old man was charged with five offences including two counts of obstructing police.

Two 23-year-old men were issued with notices to appear in court for allegedly drink driving.

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