The Queensland government will release dozens of people from quarantine early, in time for Christmas. 

A COVID-19 infection was detected in the state, linked to a flight from Newcastle to Brisbane and a second from Brisbane to Townsville.

All passengers on the flights were initially required to quarantine for 14 days, which would have included Christmas Day.

Most of the passengers’ exposure has since been downgraded to ‘casual contacts’, meaning they will only need to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test result.

However, those who travelled with, or were seated around the COVID-19 case will still be considered close contacts.

Image: Annastacia Palaszczuk / Facebook