Casey cluster grows to 34 cases as regional Victoria reopens as 28 new cases overnight
A coronavirus cluster in Melbourne’s south-east continues to grow, while 28 new virus cases and eight deaths were recorded overnight. It comes as regional Victorians rejoice as restrictions are eased.
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A coronavirus outbreak in the Melbourne’s south-east has grown to 34 cases, of which 33 are currently active.
Five of today’s 28 new cases have been linked to the cluster.
Fountain Gate shopping centre in Narre Warren has been linked to the outbreak, with people who visited the popular shopping centre between August 18 and September 6 urged to get tested if they develop symptoms.
The state’s deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng said the cluster was being investigated.
“The cluster, obviously of concern is in Casey and we are looking at that very closely,” he said.
“We have been working with Monash health and the local councils and with community leaders, had a meeting last night with them and in addition to all of the clinics that are ready in that area, there are three new pop-up clinics, the Hallam secondary College and the testing site in Noble Park so they really think everybody who has come out to be tested and really encourage anyone, even with mild symptoms, to come out and tested.”
Prof Cheng said the cluster included a number of household but that links were still being identified.
“We are still looking into that, we do think that there are links and they are obviously all in that area,” he said.
“There’s a number of households there, but I think, we are looking into that and trying to find out where everyone has been so we can make sure the transmission chains are controlled.”
28 NEW CASES LOWEST DAILY INCREASE SINCE JUNE
It comes as Victoria’s daily case total has dipped below 30 for the first time since June 24.
Eight deaths were recorded overnight, but four of the deaths occurred prior to yesterday.
The deaths include a woman in her 60s, two men in their 80s, and two men and three women in their 90s, and six of the eight deaths were linked to aged care.
It brings metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day rolling average to 44.4.
Thursday’s figures are the lowest since 20 cases were recorded on June 24.
Metropolitan Melbourne must reach an average daily case rate of between 30 and 50 cases over the preceding fortnight to trigger an easing of lockdown measures from September 28.
In regional Victoria, where restrictions were eased overnight, the daily average is 2.9.
Of Thursday’s 28 cases, 14 are linked to known clusters.
Five of those are linked to a cluster in the City of Casey, deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng said.
“The cluster obviously of concern is in Casey and we are looking at that very closely,” Prof Cheng said.
“We have been working with Monash Health and the local councils and with community leaders, had a meeting last night with them and in addition to all of the clinics that are ready in that area, there are three new pop-up clinics, the Hallam Secondary College and the testing site in Noble Park so they really think everybody who has come out to be tested and really encourage anyone, even with mild symptoms, to come out and tested.”
Across the state there are 947 active cases of coronavirus, 143 of which are in healthcare workers.
There only two cases in disability facilities, and both of those cases are in healthcare workers.
There are 464 active cases liked to aged care settings, all of which are in private facilities.
Prof Cheng said aged care workers comprised about 70 per cent of cases in health care workers.
There are 83 cases from an unknown source in metropolitan Melbourne, up two from Wednesday, and one case in regional Victoria.
More than 14,000 tests were processed on Wednesday, and the number of mystery cases dropped by eight.
There are currently 97 Victorians in hospital with the virus, including 12 in intensive care and six on ventilators.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was imperative regional Victoria was not inundated with tourists as the area opened up.
“We are less concerned about a (border) community where there are patterns of movement not taking account of that border,” he said.
“We are much more concerned about people from the middle suburbs of Melbourne decided to go to Daylesford for a day trip. That is not on and we cannot have that.”
FUNDING BOOST FOR KINDERGARTEN
Sessional kindergarten will be free for Victorian kids in term four, to equip them for the transition to prep.
Education Minister James Merlino unveiled the $26.7 million kinder package on Thursday saying it has been a “challenging year”.
Up to $13 million will be put towards a package will help struggling parents by paying fees for all 4-year-olds in sessional care for Term 4.
There is an additional $3 million for vulnerable kids, allowing an additional five hours, while $4 million would be spent on transitioning kids from 4-year-old kinder so teachers can visit.
There will be a strong focus on children from special learning and Indigenous backgrounds.
‘FOUR IN FIVE’ CARS TO BE PULLED OVER AT CHECKPOINTS
A top cop says four in five vehicles passing through the “ring of steel” to regional Victoria will be pulled over with checkpoint delays across the state reaching 30 minutes.
Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations Rick Nugent said police would use their discretion where possible but anyone caught sneaking out of Melbourne without a valid reason would cop a $4957 fine.
“The aim is to stop every car that we can,” Mr Nugent told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell.
“Unfortunately there will be a bit more of a delay, I apologise. It does impact the community and for that I am sorry.
“We are in these horrible times, it is a hefty fine. It is designed to deter people from going to these areas.”
Mr Nugent said delays had pushed from 15 minutes to around 30 minutes at the checkpoints today as the new rules were enforced.
He said police “got the model” wrong when the checkpoints were first introduced with some delays up to two hours, which he described as “not acceptable”.
“On average 80 per cent of vehicles were checked, police have now struck a balance,” he said.
He confirmed media reports from this morning that police were not monitoring the checkpoints due to the rain but said officers were out in force patrolling cafes, restaurants, caravan parks and camping grounds to ensure any Melburnians who have snuck through to the regions will be held to account.
“(It is about) safety for members, we don’t want collisions at checkpoints,” he said.
“They shut down in the rain, for safety reasons.
“If you are heading off with your caravan, and you disrespect that and are being a bit selfish, you get the fine and are sent back (to Melbourne).”
Mr Nugent said the permit system was “working quite well” overall and employers had been “excellent” in providing police intel about staff who have been busted flouting the law.
NO SPECIAL RULES FOR MORNINGTON PENINSULA
No restrictions will be eased in the Mornington Peninsula area, despite calls from the region to open up due to low case numbers.
The region is classified as being a part of metropolitan Melbourne.
“We’re not doing suburb-specific or postcode, local government-specific at time,” Mr Andrews said.
“I want to be very clear, we have the local member down there, he is a constant advocate making sure that that checkpoint is as active as possible and I think the Victoria Police went directly to this yesterday.
“Obviously with school holidays coming up and better weather, (the Mornington Peninsula) is a beautiful part of our state, one that I have spent much time and over many years.
“And I can understand why people want to go down there in the school holidays or for a day trip and the notion of sneaking down there to stay at a second residence — at this time that is just not on.”
HEFTY NEW FINES AS ‘RING OF STEEL’ BOLSTERED
Police have set up checkpoints at the city’s fringe on Thursday morning after vowing to catch Melburnians breaking the rules by travelling to the regions.
Roads were visibly busy on Thursday, with many people — including trucks and tradies — heading out of Melbourne.
On the Princes Highway, near Hoppers Crossing, police and the Australian Defence Force were checking vehicles to ensure they had a valid reason for travel.
The road is a main thoroughfare to Geelong and the state’s southwest, both of which are now open for businesses after restrictions eased on Wednesday.
The Herald Sun saw two vehicles stopped at the checkpoint before being waved through.
Drivers could be seen presenting police with paper permits and IDs.
One driver, in a green Hyundai, was pulled aside for further questioning, with police appearing to be verifying their details via an iPad.
Another vehicle with a carload of passengers was pulled over by a member of the ADF.
The Herald Sun watched as each passenger was checked and papers were handed back and forth.
It’s unclear if the papers were permits or fines.
A line of cars can be seen stretching hundreds of metres behind the checkpoint.
About 15 police and ADF members are currently at the site.
Just outside of Bacchus Marsh, on the Western Freeway, another roadblock has been established.
Police are pulling over drivers along the busy strip just before the turn-off to the rural town, a number of which were stopped for further questioning.
Two ADF personnel are also at the checkpoint.
When the Herald Sun arrived, trucks were being waved through while smaller vehicles are being checked.
Meanwhile in the township of Bacchus Marsh, cafes and shops have reopened again.
Locals can seen enjoying brunch at the town’s eateries, while others have braved the weather and gathered outside for a coffee with friends.
It comes as Melburnians caught sneaking into regional Victoria without a lawful reason will be slapped with a new $4957 fine.
The offence came into effect at 11.59pm on Wednesday as police bolstered their ring of steel around Melbourne to stop people entering regions where restrictions have eased.
Metropolitan Melbourne recorded 42 new cases on Wednesday, and the city’s rolling 14-day average dropped to 49.6.
According to the state government’s “restrictions road map”, to take the next step in easing restrictions on September 28, Melbourne must reach an average daily case rate of between 30 and 50 over 14 days.
Despite meeting this requirement, Premier Daniel Andrews said restrictions would not be lifted early.
“We need to wait a little bit longer,” he said.
Mr Andrews said the rolling 14-day average needed to be below 50 “not just for a day, but for a decent period, for a significant period”.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent hoped the “huge” new penalty would help protect regional communities, which worked hard to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
As part of the crackdown, police will strengthen enforcement at border checkpoints, holiday hot spots and transit hubs across the state.
Mr Nugent warned there would be lengthy delays at border checkpoints as police aimed to check all motorists.
He said additional checkpoints would also be established on the Mornington Peninsula to deter holiday-makers and beachgoers, especially during school holidays.
These would include pop-up and random checkpoints on backroads to catch people seeking alternative ways through.
Transit hubs, including bus and rail depots would also be patrolled by police.
Most of the enforcement work is to be done by local police.
Mr Nugent said: “I’ve asked them to be very active and ensure they are the protectors of their local community. Those local police will be patrolling the roads, checking vehicles, caravan parks, camping grounds and state parks and attending at boat ramps, pubs, clubs and bars.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said pubs and cafes may also play a role in enforcement.
“If you’re not from regional Victoria, you should not be at the pub and that compliance will be very important.”
Accommodation operators have been told by police to reject bookings from people in the metropolitan area.
REGIONAL VICTORIANS MARK FIRST DAY OF FREEDOM
Bass Coast residents have flocked to nail salons as regional Victoria enters into step three in the road map to reopening.
Sa Le, who owns Wonthaggi’s Desa Nails, Waxing and Beauty, said she was “so happy” to open her doors this morning.
Within 30 minutes of being opened, the Wonthaggi nail salon had 10 customers.
Ms Le said she expected to see an influx of customers over the next few days after being closed for six weeks.
In Ballarat, Higher Society cafe owner Rhys Jeffrey said the first day of eased restrictions had been a success, with only “slim” openings for patrons wanting to sit down.
“This morning has been surreal hearing the murmur of the crowd, the cutlery, the cups, it’s a really happy moment for us,” he said.
“People just wanted to come out and have some normality to their day, it wasn’t a surprise but it was a bit overwhelming of how many people wanted to do that on day one.
“Having people back in, bums on seats, is overwhelming, as an owner to see that.”
Meanwhile, Kaffenio cafe manager Chris Kimerlis said his Mildura CBD cafe had welcomed
back its usual early-morning crowd of “the blockies, the electricians, the plumbers” for sit-down meals.
“It’s just completely different,” he said.
“Usually they get something small and go, this time they can actually have a meal.”
Mr Kimerlis said he had also been able to have more staff working.
Mildura residents can also now go fishing in the Murray River again, with border residents able to cross into New South Wales for recreation.
In changes that took effect just after midnight, Victorian border residents previously limited to only four reasons for entering NSW will now be able to travel for any reason with a current permit.
The “border region” stretches as far south as Tempy and as far north as Menindee.
Although an easing of restrictions had been flagged by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the changes were only announced late Wednesday evening, hours before they came in at 12.01am.
— Brooke Grebert-Craig, Tess Ikonomou and Michael DiFabrizio
SECURITY GUARDS DEMAND REFORM
The group representing Australia’s security guards has written to state and federal governments demanding a shake-up of the industry in the wake of the hotel quarantine debacle.
Australian Security Industry Association chief executive officer Bryan de Caires said changes had been in the works for years but never eventuated.
“With each state and territory running their own show, inconsistencies have created vulnerabilities,’’ he said.
“The time has come for all governments to work as a team and agree to a united approach on security industry regulations.”
A letter – sent to all premiers including Daniel Andrews, chief ministers, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton – calls for uniform security licensing eligibility requirements nationwide.
There would also be better enforcement to make sure security companies are following the rules and delivering proper training.
Mr de Caires said it was also vital to ensure fair pay and conditions for security officers.
“We have heard concerning stories of sham contracting and the exploitation of individuals working under inappropriate ABN sole trader relationships in Victoria and Queensland,’’ he said.
“It is in everyone’s interests that we finally tackle this issue and get it right.
“A strong and robust security industry is a crucial part of Australia’s national security mix.”
– Wes Hosking
PM KEEN TO SEE STATE REOPEN
Victoria is not opening up quickly enough for some people, according to Scott Morrison.
The Prime Minister said his focus at the moment was working the Daniel Andrews to get the state reopen faster.
“When they announced the plan that I hoped that this was the worst-case scenario in terms of what the plan would be I’m pleased to see that they’re moving more quickly than that,” Mr Morrison said.
“Not quickly enough, I’m sure, for many in Victoria.”
When asked how many times he had offered ADF assistance for hotel quarantine to the Premier, Mr Morrison said his focus had moved onto the recovery road map.
“That’s again a matter of public record,” Mr Morrison said.
“Officials have supported the inquiry down there but to be honest it’s not something Dan and I are talking about now.
“I’m keen to see Victoria open up.
“That’s what Dan Andrews and I are working on at the moment, just how we can get this happening and we’re not pouring over those issues of weeks and months ago.”
PUSH TO ALLOW MORE AUSSIES TO COME HOME
Thousands of Australians stranded overseas could soon make their way home after the federal government proposed caps on hotel quarantine places be increased.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has written to the members of National Cabinet asking for a boost to the number of places so the more than 20,000 Aussies can come home.
Mr McCormack proposed 6000 Australians should be allowed back in each week, up from the 4000 allowed at present.
“I want to make sure that more Australians can return home,” Mr McCormack said.
“There are some heart-wrenching stories.
“I’ve notified (premiers) that I want to see those additional 2000 places and as soon as possible.
“Hopefully by the end of the month but, if it’s possible to do it sooner, then that would be fantastic.”
The caps were introduced in July at the start of Victoria’s second wave, which stemmed from the state’s bungled hotel quarantine system.
The federal Opposition has called on the government to take control of the system and implement nationally run quarantine arrangements, such as those used at the start of the year.
Federal deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth said whether people were quarantined by the states in hotels or by Border Force in detention facilities, the underlying principles remained the same.
“Infection control procedures need to be excellent, the supervision needs to be excellent,” Dr Coatsworth said.
NSW and South Australia have both agreed to take more returned people into hotel quarantine.
Victoria announced in late June that it would divert international flights amid the fallout of the hotel quarantine program.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria would not accept return travellers for the foreseeable future.
REGIONAL PUPILS RETURN TO CLASS
Regional primary school students will head back to the classroom immediately after school holidays and a week earlier than their city counterparts.
All pupils at stand-alone primary schools outside of metro Melbourne will be able to return to campuses from week one, while secondary students will remain at home until the second week of term four.
The revision came after the state government decided returning younger pupils in regional areas would not put at risk the compulsory General Achievement Test, which all VCE students must sit in person on Wednesday, October 7.
However, primary students who attend a P-12 school in regional Victoria will only be able to return after the GAT is completed, from October 8.
— Ashley Argoon
RESCUE PLAN FOR MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
Melbourne City Council has hatched a plan to try to save the Myer Christmas Windows tradition.
Myer announced last week that it was cancelling the popular display due to coronavirus fears.
But a city council meeting has authorised chief executive Justin Hanney to negotiate a joint funding package with his Myer counterpart to ensure the windows go ahead.
In her urgent motion, councillor Susan Riley said Premier Daniel Andrews had indicated Christmas would not be normal this year.
“I’m keen for some aspects to be as normal as possible, and these windows could go a long way to achieving that,” she said. “Melbourne needs mistletoe magic right now.”
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Originally published as Casey cluster grows to 34 cases as regional Victoria reopens as 28 new cases overnight