University of Queensland Epidemiologist Linda Selvey says it is “reassuring” the new local COVID cases reported in Queensland are linked. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reported six of the new local cases were from close contacts, while two were currently under investigation but were believed to be linked. “The close contacts of cases are the ones most likely to get infected and that’s where the new cases today came from,” Ms Selvey said. “So that’s an indication of some potential for further spread because in some situations close contacts of cases don’t get infected at all and that’s a good sign. “It was reassuring that the cases notified today were … close contacts of previous cases but having said that they’re the most likely to get tested. “So again it really does strengthen the importance of people getting tested if they develop symptoms." Ms Selvey told Sky News the chances of a further lockdown would be “much higher” if cases which cannot be linked were to emerge.