- Longreach is COVID-19-free and open for business after a flight attendant later found to have the virus sparked panic
- The main street was so quiet it was "like a bomb went off", one local says
- Tourism experts say the legacy of even a percieved COVID-19 risk takes time to disappear
"It's amazing how the cookie crumbles and people panic,"Mr Smith said.
"It was a hiccup, but the outback has such a resilient nature and attitude that we probably handled the hiccup really well,"Mr Kinnon said.