The ACT Chief Health Officer has released an alert regarding the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne. The recent increase in COVID-19 cases reflects a number of outbreaks and increasing community transmission in Melbourne. Ten Melbourne postcodes have been identified as transmission “hotspots”. These postcodes, and the suburbs they include, are listed in the attached alert.
Key information:
- A high risk setting is defined as a setting where there are a large number of people who are vulnerable to severe disease from COVID-19 (e.g. due to age or chronic medical conditions), and/or where there is a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission due to close proximity and difficulties maintaining physical distancing. These settings are:
- Hospitals
- Residential aged care facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Residential accommodation facilities that support people who require frequent, close personal care and who are vulnerable to severe disease
- People who have been in a Melbourne hotspot, including ACT residents, should not attend a high-risk setting as a visitor for a period of 14 days after leaving the hotspot.
- Staff who work in a high-risk setting and who have travelled to a Melbourne hotspot should not attend work for a period of 14 days after leaving the hotspot.
- Staff who work in a high risk setting and who have travelled to other areas of Melbourne should be alert for any COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop, they should immediately self-isolate at home and arrange to get tested for COVID-19.
This information is also available on the ACT Health Website (https://www.health.act.gov.au/health-professionals/chief-health-officer-alerts).
