A central Queensland mining operator has confirmed a worker who had previously tested positive has now returned a negative test for COVID-19.
Last weekend, BHP revealed one of its workers from Blackwater Mine had a confirmed case of the virus.
The mining company announced today that the case was a "false positive" after Queensland Health notified the company that the worker had been retested and returned a negative test.
According to BHP, the original positive result had been attributed to a "laboratory error".
"Our colleague is very grateful to be cleared of COVID-19," the company said.
"His colleagues who he had interactions with outside of work, and had also been in isolation as a precaution, have also been notified."
BHP said it will continue to work with local public health authorities and to reinforce strict social distancing, hygiene and cleaning practices across all operations.
'It's a great relief'
Queensland Health was contacted but declined to comment on the case, however local MP, Brittany Lauga took to Facebook to announce the news.
"It's a great relief," she said.
"Central Queenslanders are very resilient because we have been through so many natural disasters before."
Ms Lauga reiterated that physical distancing was imperative.
"We are celebrating the news today, but also not losing sight of the importance of social distancing and the goal of minimising the risk to our community, health system, and our economy," she said.
"We also hope the miner who was initially diagnosed is OK — he has been in all our thoughts since he was diagnosed.
"And same too for all of the people diagnosed in our community."
Queensland Resource Council chief, Ian Macfarlane, said the test was good news for the worker and his family.
"We are adhering to the Chief Health Officer directives and deploying additional safeguards," he said.
"We, and the government, are working tirelessly together.
"We need more good days like today."
