New coronavirus outbreak at Melbourne meat facility

Seven new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Victoria, including at a Melbourne meat processing facility.

Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos.

Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos. Source: AAP

A new coronavirus outbreak has been uncovered in a Melbourne meat processing facility, as authorities warn Victoria's progress in fighting the pandemic remains "incredibly fragile".

Seven new cases have been confirmed in Victoria, bringing the state's total to 1,371.

Health Minister Jenny Mikakos on Saturday revealed eight staff at a meat processing facility had tested positive to COVID-19, including three overnight.
She declined to name the business or provide further details about its location, saying it had been closed, all staff tested and there was no risk to food safety or the broader community.

"The fact that we've had seven new cases overnight does demonstrate that the situation is still incredibly fragile," Ms Mikakos told reporters.

All but 71 patients who have contracted the virus in Victoria are recovered. More than 140 of the total cases indicate community transmission, which means patients have not been overseas or in contact with another confirmed case.
Harsh restrictions on social gatherings and movement are beginning to ease across some states. But Victoria is not expected to relax its measures to curb the spread of coronavirus before 11 May.

It comes as Victoria Police doled out 30 fines in the past 24 hours, including to seven people gathered for a birthday party and others busted for drug offences.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments.

News and information is available in 63 languages at 


Share
2 min read
Published 2 May 2020 12:06pm
Updated 2 May 2020 12:12pm



Share this with family and friends