There was no risk of COVID-19 infection when a historic case arrived at Brisbane airport from Papua New Guinea, Queensland's chief health officer Jeannette Young says.
Qantas ground staff were told to "open the door and run", believing a passenger on a flight arriving from Papua New Guinea on Saturday had coronavirus, the Courier Mail reported on Wednesday.
The airline has been contacted for comment.
"This gentleman was a fully recovered case, he was a historic case, and that was why he was given permission by the Australian Border Force to travel to Australia," Dr Young said.
"I do not criticise the airport or anyone there for taking such an ultra cautious approach, that has stood us in excellent stead, but they do not need to be concerned, this was a fully recovered case.
"He was not infectious, there was no risk to anyone."
The airport scare comes as the state's public servants prepare to head back to their offices in a move Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hopes will be followed by the private sector.
"It means more people buying a coffee in the morning supporting local cafes, more people buying a meal supporting local bistros and more people doing a spot of shopping during their lunch break supporting local retailers," she told parliament on Wednesday.
"This will also send a clear message to private sector businesses based in the CBD that now is the time to return."
