Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Source: BBC
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  • Queensland’s three-day lockdown has been extended by another 24 hours as three new COVID-19 cases are recorded in the community
  • Two of the cases are under investigation as its not known how the mother and daughter duo came in contact with the virus
  • NSW has recorded 31 new cases of COVID-19, 27 of which are linked to known outbreaks, while South Australia has recorded two new cases
  • Darwin and Alice Springs are due to come out of lockdown on Friday, after no new cases of the virus overnight
  • While in WA, the State’s Premier announced on Friday afternoon it will come out of lockdown at midnight after only new COVID-19 case

Queensland’s three-day lockdown has been extended by another 24 hours, as three new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the community.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the news on Friday morning, with restrictions to lift in Townsville but not in South-East Queensland.

Two of the three new cases in Queensland were under investigation as it’s not known how the mother and daughter duo came in contact with the virus.

Ms Palaszczuk said the extension was to allow contact tracers more time to identify close and casual contacts.

“Because our contact tracers need that extra time, we need another 24 hours,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“So I’m really asking people in the Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay local government areas, the lockdown will continue for 24 hours.”

In NSW, 31 new cases of the virus were recorded on Friday, with 27 of those cases linked to known outbreaks while 17 were household contacts of infected persons.

However, 13 of the new cases were active in the community, prompting a fresh warning from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Ms Berejiklian said all close contacts of COVID-19 cases were required to stay at home and isolate.

“That includes for vaccination, that includes for medical attention. If you are a close contact, please ring Health and Health will meet all of your needs,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you need medical attention, ring Health. If you need other supplies you cannot get, please ring Health. If you are a close contact, you should not be leaving the house. If you are deemed a casual contact, please follow the health advice.”

South Australia recorded an additional two cases of COVID-19 on Friday, but the state has stopped short of introducing a lockdown.

In the Northern Territory, both Alice Springs and Darwin residents will come out of lockdown tonight after no new cases were recorded.

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he was pleased to announce the lockdown would soon end.

“We are bringing that forward based on the latest health advice,” Mr Gunner explained.

“I know it’s been a bit of a wild ride but we are really happy with what’s come through overnight, especially the rapid testing from the Stuart Park site and we can now transition out of the lockdown.”

Finally, WA’s Premier Mark McGowan announced on Friday afternoon the state would come out of lockdown at midnight.

It comes after only one new case of the virus was recorded in WA today.

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