COVID-19: Oops! – Sydney Airport crew van driver tests positive

NSW Health Minister has just announced at a press conference that a man who regularly drives a van to and from Sydney Airport has just returned a positive test for COVID-19, and is therefore the first case of community transmission in NSW since 3 December.

The man was tested yesterday (Tuesday) after 8pm , with the ‘unfortunate’ result being reported today (Wednesday).

Minister Hazzard has reported that the 45 year old man first reported symptoms on Saturday.

The governments initial response is to seek talks with international airlines, to look at making changes to quarantine requirements for air crew.

The van driver was solely transporting international air crew according to some reports.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

I’m due on an interstate flight out of Sydney this evening – or am I?

Indications currently are that this new case will not impact border openings or the planned relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions in NSW.

Standard contact tracing has commenced.