Family of surf victim spark alert
FAMILY members of a Chinese man who drowned at Palm Beach this week are in hospital being tested for the novel coronavirus.
It is understood the man had gone for a swim at the beach on Tuesday when he drowned.
The man’s family went to the Palm Beach police station to speak to officers who are preparing a report for the coroner. A family member is understood to have told the officers she was feeling unwell, suffering from flu-like symptoms.
It is believed the woman was part of a group of five which arrived on the Coast on Monday from Sydney.
The Bulletin understands the four remaining members are in quarantine at the Gold Coast University Hospital and are being tested for coronavirus. It is unknown if the dead man will be tested for the virus in a post mortem.
It is not believed the group had travelled from the Wuhan area.
A link between the Oracle building case, in which two people have tested positive to coronavirus, has been ruled out.
It comes as authorities pursue all 157 passengers of Tigerair flight TT566 to the Gold Coast from Melbourne on Monday. The plane carried the Chinese tourists who have been confirmed virus.
A Pacific Pines State High School Year 10 student and primary school student were also on the flight.
Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler yesterday said the officers involved in the Palm Beach and Oracle cases had been given support.
Supt Wheeler said officers across the Coast had been given information and the equipment to deal with suspected cases of the virus.
“There have been two well-publicised cases,” he said.
“Police have attended those situations.
“Firstly, our police have a heightened sense of awareness to possible cases and we’ve provided and made sure officers have got the necessary protective equipment. And also to know the protocols if they encounter someone they suspect may be suffering from coronavirus.”
He said police were calling for calm around the issue.
“We have to be mindful, we are going to reach out to the Chinese community as well. We want to make sure no one feels isolated.
“You don’t want this to be divisive, because we are a multicultural society and this is just a really unfortunate set of circumstances.
“Everyone needs to remain to have the calm and follow the advice of authorities and manage yourself if you believe you are at risk.”
While not commenting on the Palm Beach case specifically, Queensland Health issued a statement from Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.
“Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service is well prepared to respond to the current international threat of novel coronavirus,” Dr Young said.
“The HHS is working closely with Queensland Health and the rest of the state.
“We have responded to health emergencies in the past, and we will do it again.
“We will continue to keep the local community updated on confirmed cases.”