The department has today listed the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and stores in the Chadstone Shopping Centre as potential acquisition sites for today’s positive case.
Based on the information available from the case, the man in his 30s, was not infectious while at the sites, but there is potential he acquired the virus while there.
The man developed symptoms on 30 December and the department was notified of his positive test on 5 January. Given he has not visited any high-risk Victorian exposure sites or travelled to New South Wales, a number of acquisition sources are being investigated.
The man was present at the MCG on 27 December, the second day of the Boxing Day test and is currently isolating.
He was not infectious when he attended and is not linked to any other case or to the Black Rock Restaurant Outbreak. The MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection.
A number of close contacts have already been identified and contacted and testing of these people has been undertaken. Contact tracing interviews are continuing to ensure we identify all primary and secondary close contacts.
The decision to identify the MCG and Chadstone Shopping Centre has not been made lightly and is precautionary to ensure people are informed and able to take appropriate actions.
We’re encouraging anyone who was in The Great Southern Stand, zone 5 of the MCG between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on 27 December, to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.
A COVID safe event plan was in place for the match and the ticketing allocation system in place has enabled effective contact tracing. The venue also utilised the Victorian Government’s QR code system in an additional measure to support contact tracing.
The department is working with Melbourne Cricket Club to contact ticket holders in the relevant area directly and to ensure that all relevant public health actions have been undertaken.
Additionally, possible sites for the source of his infection have also been identified at Chadstone Shopping Centre on 26 December between 6am-2pm. These include the following stores: Culture Kings, Huffer, JD Sports, Jay Jays, H&M, Uniqlo, Myer, Superdry, Footlocker and Dumplings Plus.
We’re investigating further to determine exact details for the Chadstone store sites and this information will be updated on the website as soon as possible.
The case is being retested and genomics are being undertaken on the initial sample.
The current list of public exposure sites associated with the case are below - anyone who visited these sites is also encouraged to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:
- 30 December 12-12.45pm - The Nike Company, 134 Buckhurst St, South Melbourne
- 30 December 1-1.30pm - Culture Kings Melbourne, 19-25 Russell St, Melbourne
- 30 December 6.30-7pm - Tamarind 8, 7b/420 Princes Highway, Narre Warren
Testing locations can be found at Where to get tested.
Information regarding COVID-19 is available at the Department of Health and Human Services website or by calling 1800 675 398.