Mr Foley urged anyone in Altona or surrounding suburbs with even the mildest symptoms to get tested after trace samples of coronavirus were found in wastewater, after eight weeks of negative samples.
“Out of an abundance of caution we are urging anybody in Altona and the surrounding catchment areas, even with the slightest of symptoms, to get tested. Get tested today,” Mr Foley said.
Late yesterday the Department of Health and Human Services urged residents of Altona, and suburbs in the Altona catchment, including Altona Meadows, Laverton, Point Cook and Sanctuary Lakes, or people who visited the area between Monday, November 16 and Wednesday, November 18, to get tested if they developed even slight symptoms.
But Mr Foley said he still expected Premier Daniel Andrews to make further announcements about the use of masks and further easing of restrictions tomorrow, “so Victorians can plan for a COVID-safe Christmas”.
The state’s most recent case – its 20,345th – was confirmed back on October 30.
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Twenty-two consecutive days with no new cases and no deaths is the state’s longest stretch of so-called ”doughnut days” since the end of February.
A 48-hour hard border closure between Victoria and South Australia came into effect on Thursday night after traces of the virus were found in wastewater in Portland and Benalla.
The fragments were deemed significant because wastewater samples from both regional towns, which are located on major freight routes, were clear of the virus just last week.
Changes expected to come into effect from 11.59pm on Sunday, November 22 include allowing beauty salons to offer services where face coverings need to be removed.
Under the proposed changes, the hospitality industry will be allowed to have up to 100 patrons indoors and 200 patrons outdoors with density limits.
Gyms will be allowed to operate with up to 100 people, although a group limit of 20 people will apply. Organised contact sports can resume for all ages with limitations on spectators.