Four students test positive during day-13 tests as authorities probe mystery case

By David EstcourtUpdated July 29, 2021 â€" 3.41pmfirst published at 8.59am

Victorian health authorities are continuing to investigate how a traffic controller who worked at a coronavirus testing site contracted the virus as four students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar tested positive to COVID-19 during their day 13 tests.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the four students were among six new cases of locally acquired coronavirus cases reported on Thursday. Two other cases were household contacts of a positive case who lived at the Lacrosse apartment building in Docklands, and all six were in quarantine throughout their infectious period.

Mr Foley said the fact that positive results were being detected on day 13 was a reminder of how vital it was for close contacts in isolation to follow instructions and not leave home before receiving clearance from the department.

“It’s really pretty straightforward. No test, no release,” he said.

“This is actually a timely reminder that cases with the Delta variant turning positive at the end of isolation period is still a real thing, and makes it so important that the system of isolation of primary close contacts gets seen through to the end.”

Residents of a Newport apartment complex are now being tested after the traffic controller visited his partner at the complex while he was infectious. Acting Victorian COVID-19 response commander Naomi Bromley said she could not reveal whether the building was locked down.

Residents at a Newport apartment complex are being tested after a positive case visited the building.Credit:Chris Hopkins

“He did visit his partner ... while he was infectious and tests are on the way for those people living in a low-rise apartment complex in Newport,” she said.

“We’re investigating where he was during his acquisition period, and where he worked and travelled while infectious.

“Testing is already underway, and several members of his household and his close social circle have already returned a negative test result.

“We do know that the positive case worked at Moonee Valley Racecourse testing site, and that site remains closed today and will do so for a few days yet.”

His work colleagues are also being tested.

Acting Victorian chief health officer Ben Cowie said authorities were still unsure how the man had contracted the virus.

“We’re not absolutely certain of the source of acquisition, there’s a lot of investigations going on … [we’re] exploring all of the possibilities of where this acquisition occurred,” he said.

“We’re taking a very precautionary approach in siloing and testing.

COVID-19 fragments have also been detected in wastewater in Melbourne’s inner east, Professor Cowie said.

The unexpected wastewater sample detections were in the Camberwell area, with samples taken on the 26th and the 27th of July.

“So for people in the Camberwell region, if you have the mildest of symptoms, please go and get tested for COVID 19,” he said.

The state recorded seven locally acquired cases of coronavirus on Thursday: six new cases plus the mystery case reported late on Wednesday morning.

The remaining six local cases are all linked to current outbreaks and were in quarantine during their infectious period. There were 42,009 test results processed on Wednesday, and 19,118 vaccine doses delivered.

‘I’m determined to have people at the grand final’: Andrews

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants crowds to attend this year’s AFL grand final, the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the state’s big theatre shows. But he said a decision was yet to be made on spectator numbers.

“I can’t tell you how many people will be at the grand final,” Mr Andrews said. “But I’m determined to have people at the grand final and as many as we can safely at the racing carnival, the same for Harry Potter.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is determined to have spectators at this year’s AFL grand final.Credit:Getty Images

He said health authorities would assess each individual event, and capacity limits would apply.

“You’ve got to do what’s safe and we don’t want a situation where any event, even iconic events, put at risk everything that we’ve been able to achieve,” he said.

“We understand how important events are … they have been through a very difficult time, we understand that. And the virus has not been fair to them in any way. That’s why we’ve provided significant support.

“But as important as say live theatre is, it’s not worth a lockdown.”

Victoria Racing Club has applied to host up to 60,000 racegoers a day at Flemington Racecourse throughout this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.

No new exposure sites have been added to the state government’s list of exposure sites since just before 9pm on Wednesday.

Police hunt protesters who allegedly set off flares at anti-lockdown rally

Police are also appealing for public help to identify three protesters â€" two men and one woman â€" at Saturday’s anti-lockdown rally who may have been involved in setting off flares during demonstrations.

Detectives allege the flares endangered not only police but people in the area where the pyrotechnic devices were used.

Police want help to identify three people who allegedly set off flares during anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne.

Police have released images of three people they are hoping to speak to in relation to the incidents.

Police believe one of the men is aged in his late 20s to 30s, of slim build with short dark brown hair and was seen wearing a grey and black hooded jacket.

Police say the other man appears to be aged in his 30s, of medium build with short brown hair. He was seen wearing a plain black T-shirt.

The woman pictured, police believe, is aged in her 20s, of slim build with long brown hair. She was seen wearing a blue puffer jacket.

Victorian health authorities urge pregnant women to get vaccinated

Victorian health authorities have urged pregnant women to get vaccinated, warning that contracting the virus while pregnant presented an increased risk of serious illness .

“We know that contracting COVID-19 when having a baby presents an increased risk of significant illness throughout pregnancy, and an increased risk of complications during the birth process,” acting Victorian chief health officer Ben Cowie said.

Victorian Deputy Chief Health Officer Clare Looker receives her first vaccine shot at the Melbourne Showgrounds site on Thursday.Credit:Nine News

“We also know from international research that these vaccines are safe to be administered in pregnancy, and also safe during breastfeeding.

The Australian government has recently announced that pregnant women are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Pfizer has been recommended by both the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists at any stage of pregnancy.

Professor Cowie said it was a decision women should make after consulting with their general practitioner.

“Like any health decision, of course, we would always recommend asking your local general practitioner, or healthcare provider for the advice that individuals need to make their own decision,” he said.

“Specifically for people who are pregnant, Pfizer is recommended.”

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David Estcourt is a court and general news reporter at The Age.

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