Queensland's seventh COVID-19 victim identified

27 May 2020, 09:12 by Toby Crockford, Lydia Lynch and Matt Dennien

The central Queensland miner who died at his home in the town of Blackwater on Tuesday night and later tested positive to COVID-19 following an autopsy, has been identified.

Nathan Turner, 30, was found unresponsive by his partner about 4.30pm on Tuesday when she came home from work and responding paramedics declared him dead at the scene.

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_2.768%2C$multiply_1.5109%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_212%2C$y_43/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/ca27b014586e01ec7200a6327a59cfe02af3fd10 — Nathan Turner, 30, becomes the seventh Queensland COVID-19 death after he died on Tuesday, May 26.Facebook

Mr Turner was believed to have not worked since November, or travelled overseas or outside Blackwater since February.

He became the seventh Queenslander, and the youngest Australian, to die with COVID-19. His exact cause of death was yet to be determined.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the positive COVID-19 test result came back about 11pm on Tuesday.

"He has a complicated medical history and that also needs to be worked through," Dr Young said.

"We believe he was at home for that time and we believe he’s had symptoms for several weeks."

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_3.269%2C$multiply_1.5109%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_287/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/eb7c5e129330a1ecc1c8fdd96b4bcc75ed81c510 — Paramedics could not save Mr Turner, who was declared dead at his home.Facebook

It was initially believed the nurse from the Rockhampton aged care facility who tested positive to the virus earlier this month, may have been linked to the source of infection for Mr Turner.

However, in a statement late on Wednesday, Queensland Health said the timelines for Mr Turner's symptoms and the Rockhampton nurse's visit to Blackwater, did not match.

"The individual [Rockhampton aged care nurse] travelled to Blackwater in the second week of May but did not interact with other individuals there," the QH statement said.

"Information provided to Queensland Health about the case identified today [Mr Turner] indicated the man had respiratory symptoms since the first week of May.

"At this time, no evidence has been provided to Queensland Health that links the two cases. But we will continue to assess all information relevant to any case.

"Queensland Health can confirm the partner of the deceased man is in isolation but has not been admitted to hospital."

Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar, the local state MP, urged the towns of Blackwater and broader Central Highlands community to remain calm and trust the health system.

"I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the partner, family and friends of the Blackwater gentleman who passed away yesterday," he said in a statement.

"I know the people of Blackwater and the Central Highlands will be deeply shocked. I urge people to remain calm. Our health system is well able to respond to the situation and deal with it."

A temporary fever clinic was opened at Blackwater Hospital on Wednesday and another one was due to open at Blackwater Rodeo Showground on Thursday, for residents to go for COVID-19 testing.

The paramedics and police officers who responded to the call for help from Mr Turner's partner at the house were also placed into quarantine.

Mr Turner also became the first Queensland COVID-19 victim to die outside the south-east corner.

Three Brisbane north residents have died with the virus, two on the Darling Downs and one on the Sunshine Coast.

Australia’s death toll stood at 103 on Wednesday.