COVID-19: Queensland man tests positive weeks ahead of trans-Tasman bubble announcement

The 26-year-old developed symptoms on Monday but it is not yet known how he became infected.
The 26-year-old developed symptoms on Monday but it is not yet known how he became infected. Photo credit: Getty

Queensland has recorded one new case of COVID-19 in the community, but a question remains as to how the person became infected.

A 26-year-old man returned a positive result on Thursday night and has been infectious in the community since last Friday.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the man visited a number of places in Brisbane and Moreton Bay before testing positive.

While there's "no need for alarm", Palaszczuk suggests people should start wearing masks in crowded places and continue to social distance.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the 26-year-old developed symptoms on Monday but it is not yet known how he became infected.

"We will be getting genome sequencing results later today or early tomorrow," she said in a press conference.

"We need to make sure we are socially distancing and where we can't, to wear a mask. If you are in that vulnerable cohort, maybe stay at home for the next three days until we understand what is happening here."

Aged care facilities, hospitals and prisons in Brisbane city and Moreton Bay areas will no longer be allowed visitors.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is set to reveal the trans-Tasman bubble for Australia and New Zealand on April 6.

Australia allowed quarantine-free travel coming from New Zealand last year, but we're yet to return the offer.

"We just need to make sure when we do it, we get it right," Ardern said on Monday.