Several Qantas baggage handlers test positive for covid-19

Monday, 01 Apr, 2020 0

Six Qantas baggage handlers at Adelaide Airport tested positive for the covid-19, leading to staff shortages and flight disruptions.

South Australia health authorities are working with Qantas to help ensure baggage handling operations can continue safely.

"We’re currently talking to Qantas about risk mitigation," said chief public health officer Dr Nicola Spurrier.

"There’s going to be a requirement for significant number of staff to go into quarantine because of this."

Nicola Spurrier said about 100 other people work in the baggage handling area.

Passengers who received checked bags in the past 24 hours from a Qantas flight at Adelaide are being advised to disinfect their bags.

One Qantas flight was turned around and returned to Sydney because baggage could not be handled at Adelaide.

Several other flights were disrupted.

"We are working to minimise any disruptions to customers who are flying in and out of Adelaide, although passenger numbers are significantly reduced due to government travel restrictions," a Qantas spokesperson said.

"In addition to enhanced cleaning measures introduced since the coronavirus outbreak at airports and on aircraft, we are conducting extensive cleaning of common areas used by these employees in Adelaide."

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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