Source:ABCnews
Victoria has recorded 57 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, 44 of whom were quarantined while infectious.
Contact tracers have linked 54 of the cases back to the state’s outbreak.
Victoria processed 49,607 test results on Wednesday and delivered 27,581 vaccine doses at state-run sites.
There are nearly 15,000 primary close contacts in quarantine, and Health Minister Martin Foley yesterday foreshadowed a jump in numbers as people returned their day-13 tests.
Authorities are increasingly concerned by the number of mystery cases being identified around St Kilda, in Melbourne’s inner south-east.
“We’re really encouraging anyone who lives, works, or visits or actively uses that St Kilda area to please consider coming forward to get tested,” COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said on Wednesday.
“We are exceptionally concerned about what we don’t know yet in that area.”
There are more than 550 exposure sites, including supermarkets and essential stores from across Melbourne added in the past 24 hours.LIVE UPDATES: Read our blog for the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic
Footscray Hospital worker tests positive
Nearly 40 healthcare workers have been sent into quarantine in Melbourne’s west, after a medical imaging technologist at Footscray Hospital tested positive on Tuesday.
In a statement, Western Health said it was not yet clear how the staff member, who worked on Monday, was infected.
The service said contact tracing investigations were continuing.
“All patients who attended appointments during the potential exposure period are being contacted, and 39 Western Health staff have been quarantined,” a Western Health spokesperson said.
“Western Health has strict COVID measures in place, including the requirement for all staff to wear N95 masks and eye protection in all clinical areas of our hospitals.”
