Testing - 13 rapid testing centres are running in Essex WALK-IN coronavirus test appointments are now being offered to people living and working in Essex without symptoms. A total of 13 centres are now in full operation across the county for rapid testing, including ones at Colchester Leisure Centre, West Maldon Community Centre, and Long Meadows Community Centre, in Dovercourt. About a third of people with Covid-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the virus unknowingly. Although case numbers are declining, there is still an alarming number of people with Covid-19 in Essex. Health officials in the county advise figures could go down even quicker if together people get tested regularly.
Five million Melbourne residents are bracing for lockdown once again as a Covid-19 cluster grows to 13, with five new cases reported on Friday.
Victorian ministers held a cabinet meeting at 11.45am to discuss a five-day lockdown that could involve confining residents to their homes except for essential reasons and closing schools and businesses.
The restrictions are expected to come into play on Friday evening after Premier Daniel Andrews gives a press conference at 1pm.
A city-wide lockdown could see fans banned from the Australian Open with Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Aussie superstar Nick Kyrgios due to play on Friday.
Tara Murray
Two sites in Brimbank and one in Maribyrnong have been listed as high risk COVID-19 exposure sites after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for coronavirus.
An authorised officer from the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport tested positive to coronavirus on Sunday. She had previously tested negative on February 4.
Workers at the hotel and others who are considered primary close contacts are being contacted. They are required to immediately isolate, get tested and remain isolated for 14 days.
Three tier one exposure sites, where the positive person visited, have been identified.
They are Dan Murphy’s in Sunshine on February 5 between 5.50pm and 6.30pm and the following day between 6.50 pm and 7.30pm.