The Qantas Group have announced that about 50 of their staff have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
ABC Australia reports that Qantas Group medical officer Russell Brown told staff via webinar, “Most of those were from overseas, but they were taking the precautions. They are wearing masks when flying and being careful, and we’re still seeing these cases. When you’re dealing with a community that has more spread, the risk goes up, and we have to start thinking about what’s going on here.”
The number includes 8 pilots, 19 cabin crew and the already reported baggage handler cluster at Adelaide Airport. The number is believed to include cases at Jetstar.
Cleaning your bag when returning from travel:
(1) Wipe external surfaces with a detergent disinfectant product, using a dampened disposable or launderable cloth. Thoroughly clean handles and grips.
(2) Dry your bag properly in the sun or air dry
(3) Wash hands thoroughly after pic.twitter.com/w93NL1IDwb— SA Health (@SAHealth) March 31, 2020
The Group’s Medical Director Ian Hosegood, said in a statement, “In most of these cases, the employees have contracted the coronavirus while overseas including staff who were on holidays. There’s been no confirmed cases of transmission of the coronavirus to employees or customers on board our aircraft, or any aircraft globally for that matter. Whilst this transmission is possible, current evidence suggests it’s unlikely. We have put in place increased measures to protect our people while they are at work and our customers including enhanced cleaning at airports and on aircraft and providing necessary safety equipment.”
It feels like the middle of night at at the @AdelaideAirport.
Only staff, could hear a pin drop.
Details on how our border restrictions are working at 6.
@10NewsFirstAdl pic.twitter.com/DghL8HLbhi— Hannah Foord (@HannahFoord7) April 3, 2020
The news comes after Adelaide Airport was notified a customer facing security guard has tested positive. So far 16 baggage handlers from Adelaide Airport have tested positive, as well as 9 of their close contacts.
We have this evening been advised by our security provider SNP Security, that it has had a staff member test positive for COVID-19. The staff member conducts duties in a public facing role at #AdelaideAirport. We're working with the employer and @SAHealth. [ – pic @Matt_Bonser ] pic.twitter.com/B8PgYBhOF8
— Adelaide Airport (@AdelaideAirport) April 3, 2020
