NEW cases have been confirmed in Queensland but authorities say the signs are good as the state tracks two clusters and closes in on the scheduled end of a three-day lockdown.
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The signal comes as NSW imposes fresh restrictions on parts of the state including Byron Bay, where Bluesfest is scheduled to draw thousands over the coming days.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said signs were "very promising" and a good result on Thursday morning would likely result in lifting the restrictions.
"Fingers crossed it'll be okay for Easter," she said.
"I know these are an inconvenience to people, but these are the right measures to keep and protect our state.
"We come and tell the public as soon as we get the most up to date information."
Three new cases were announced overnight in Queensland, including a case acquired in India and diagnosed in quarantine.
The other two are linked to Brisbane's second cluster, taking the number of connected cases to 17.
NSW had no new cases confirmed in the 24-hour window to 8pm last night but did have a case of community transmission past that cut-off.
Queensland has 71 cases in hospitals, 58 of which acquired the virus overseas.
The northern state is due to remain in lockdown until at least 5pm on Thursday under the three-day restriction introduced in a bid to give contact tracers more time.
A decision on extending or ending the restrictions is scheduled for Thursday morning.
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Dr Young said the lockdown had been necessary because there were two clusters at once and "the numbers were just too much to manage".
"Those two clusters look like they've all been worked through," Dr Young said.
"We do not have any other cases out in the community anywhere in Queensland that are linked."
Dr Young said that the contagious nature of the virus meant that caution was still important.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged people to "double and triple-check" the list of venues, but said signs had been promising.
"If you are sick, or have any symptoms, go and get a test," she said.
"It's absolutely essential that we rule out any unlinked cases of COVID-19 in our community."
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Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
