Thousands isolate as Victoria records four new local COVID-19 cases
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Thousands of Melburnians have been ordered to isolate “until further notice” after four new local COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the city’s northern suburbs on Monday, as health authorities warn that more positive tests are likely in coming days.
The first of the cases – a man from the City of Whittlesea – tested positive on Monday morning after showing symptoms for three days. A man, woman and preschooler from his family later returned positive swabs.
Anyone who visited Melbourne’s Highpoint Shopping Centre last Thursday from 5.00-8.00pm must get tested and isolate until further notice.
Health by Rhiannon Tuffield and Erin Lyons 24th May 2021 10:58 AM
Victorian health authorities are carrying out urgent contact tracing after recording two âlikelyâ COVID-19 cases.
The Victorian Department of Health on Monday confirmed the possibility of two coronavirus cases in Melbourneâs northern suburbs, just days after revealing it had missed a Woolworths as a coronavirus exposure site earlier in the month.
The department said a full investigation was underway into the results, and initial public health actions were being put in place while both individuals isolated.
On Friday, Victorian transport minister Jacinta Allan stressed that the tests were âlikelyâ positive, but still not confirmed.
Two “likely” cases detected on Monday morning have now been confirmed positive results.
A further two family members have since tested positive, it was revealed in the afternoon.
The four cases include two men, a woman and a preschool-aged child who are relatives from Whittlesea and live across two households.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Victorian health Minister Martin Foley urged Melburnians not to be complacent.
“We all have our role to play here, to step up,” he said.
“This is not a time to be complacent.”
It has now been revealed the first case, a man, had flu-like symptoms from May 20 and got tested on Sunday, along with a second relative who was asymptomatic.
Four new Covid-19 cases have been identified in Melbourne s northern suburbs
NSW health authorities said the new infections serve as a warning to residents
Health boss Brett Sutton said transmission will increase in the colder months
On Tuesday, South Australia announced it will close borders with Victoria
Cases are all close family contacts of each other, living in two separate houses
Victorian Department of Health has extended list of potential exposure sites