10th Melbourne public housing tower in Richmond at risk of lockdown
Victoria’s State Opposition has demanded for compulsory testing in all public housing towers as it emerges a 10th Melbourne building is at risk of being locked down.
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Victoria’s State Opposition has demanded for compulsory testing in all public housing towers as coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced 191 new cases on Tuesday afternoon – 13 more linked to the North Melbourne and Flemington public housing towers, bringing the total of the outbreak to 69.
Opposition housing spokesman Tim Smith also suggested empty hotels could be used to accommodate large families from public housing as a pre-emptive measure.
“There must be compulsory testing in all public housing – no ifs, no buts,” Mr Smith told NCA Newswire.
“If anyone tests positive in public housing they must be immediately quarantined in either hospital or appropriate crisis accommodation.
“Comprehensive contact tracing must then be undertaken immediately. If residents have a smart phone they must download the COVID-Safe app.
“The Andrews government must have proof that each resident, in their native tongue, fully understands the situation and what must be undertaken to not spread this virus.”
It comes as a 10th Melbourne public housing tower is at risk of being locked down after an infected worker reportedly visited a building in Richmond.
The infected man – who lives in one of the locked-down North Melbourne towers – worked as a subcontractor for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services in an apartment building in Richmond, Nine News reported.
The man is believed to have patrolled the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of the 108 Elizabeth St building. Seven levels of the building have since been cleaned and sanitised, 9 News reported, but the complex is yet to be locked down.
Meanwhile, Yarra City Council is also expected to call on the State Government to test all public housing residents in the 12 towers in its municipality, which includes buildings in Richmond, Fitzroy and Collingwood.
Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly has put forward the urgent motion for Tuesday night’s meeting that also calls for hand sanitiser and emergency free Wi-Fi for residents in the towers.
At least 500 police officers per shift have been tasked to guard about 3000 residents in nine towers who are into their third day of not being allowed to leave their homes for at least five days.
Police are blocking all entry and exit points to each of the nine towers and are working in pairs to patrol two or three floors each as well as using CCTV cameras to check for noncompliance.
Mr Patton said police were there to support the residents locked down inside the towers.
“This is about police working with the community. You are the community we serve, you are the reason we’re there,” he said.
“It’s about helping the residents of these towers get through this extremely difficult period, and we’ll do absolutely everything we can.”
Originally published as 10th Melbourne public housing tower in Richmond at risk of lockdown