Premier Daniel Andrews says he hopes to move from ‘stay home’ messaging to ‘stay safe’ in June
A Domino’s pizza shop in Fairfield and a mattress manufacturer in Deer Park, have been closed as authorities investigate links to coronavirus cases. It comes as Daniel Andrews has announced when the state will move from advice to “stay home” to messaging about “staying safe”.
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There have been another seven coronavirus cases recorded in Victoria overnight, bringing the state’s total to 1561.
Two of the new cases are linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak, two are being investigated by public health and the rest are overseas travellers in mandatory quarantine.
There are 11 people in hopsital, with seven of those in intensive care.
A Domino’s pizza shop in Fairfield and The Comfort Group, a mattress manufacturer in Deer Park, have been closed as authorities investigate links to coronavirus cases.
In some good news for the state, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed there is a plan to reopen pubs, clubs and cafes in the state.
The Sunday Herald Sun revealed the hospitality industry will begin to reopen from June 1, with up to 20 patrons allowed in a venue.
The plan is to slowly extend the maximum number of customers, with 50 diners allowed from June 22 and 100 people from Mid-July.
Mr Andrews said that from June, his message from Victorians would likely change from “stay home” to “stay safe”.
But Mr Andrews said the government would continue to insist: “If you can work from home, you must work from home.”
MORE NEWS:
CEDAR MEATS TO REOPEN AS NUMBER OF CASES NEARS 100
VICTORIA RELAXES RESTAURANT RESTRICTIONS
TRUE HEALTH COST OF LOCKDOWN REVEALED
CEDAR MEATS WILL REOPEN ON MONDAY
The abattoir at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak will reopen tomorrow as the number cases linked to the cluster reaches 100.
The increase came as hundreds of McDonald’s workers were being tested this weekend with some in isolation awaiting results following cases at two outlets in Melbourne’s north.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos warned the pandemic was far from over.
Cedar Meats confirmed to the Sunday Herald Sun its Brooklyn factory would tomorrow re-open but said processing of animals would not begin until a later date.
Two more cases were yesterday added to the meatworks outbreak, bringing the total to 100.
They comprised 64 workers and 34 close contacts.
“Cedar Meats is restarting its cold storage facility,” the company said.
“Restarting the cold storage facility has been planned with the advice and support of the public health team at the Department of Health and Human Services.”
Statewide 11 new coronavirus cases were confirmed yesterday, bringing the total to 1554.
Another confirmed case was linked to the McDonald’s Fawkner store, bringing the total to 11.
There was still just a single case linked to the Craigieburn outlet.
More than 280 workers from both outlets, which were shut for cleaning, had undergone coronavirus tests.
Authorities revealed two employees at the restaurants were relatives and this is believed to be how the virus was transferred.
Ms Mikakos said it was vital people remained cautious about their movements to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Police issued 20 fines to people in breach of social distancing rules in the past 24 hours including a group gathered at a Noble Park fast food restaurant carpark.
“It’s important everyone understands this pandemic is not yet over,’’ Ms Mikakos said.
“We have a long way to go.”
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton, following criticism over the state’s handling of the Cedar Meats cluster, said authorities would “jump on” any new potential spreading sources.
Nationwide more than one million COVID-19 tests have been conducted with 20 new cases and no new deaths.
In a separate health scare it was confirmed 36 people connected to the Lincoln Bakery Cafe in Carlton had contracted salmonella food poisoning.
The cafe had been closed since May 8 with investigations taking place and no one with food poisoning in hospital.
LANDMARK VISITORS AMONG PEOPLE FINED
A group of people have been given Coronavirus fines at the 12 Apostles tourist site in south-west Victoria.
They were handed fines of $1652 each after police took action at the world-famous Great Ocean Rd landmark.
The 12 Apostles, near Port Campbell, was closed in March by authorities in response to the COVID-19 crisis and concerns about large crowds breaching social distancing regulations.
Victoria Police made 748 spot checks statewide in the past 24 hours as part of Operation Sentinel.
Sixteen fines were issued.
Sentinel has made 46,449 spot checks on home, businesses and non-essential services since March 21.
- Mark Buttler
TWEET REMAINS ON DEPUTY CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER’S TWITTER
Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Annaliese van Diemen was asked this morning about her tweet comparing the coronavirus to Captain Cook.
While the tweet remains online, she said that “removing it wasn’t going to change anything”.
“It was an opinion, I regret that it caused a large amount of distractions,” she said.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to dwell on it any further.”
Dr van Diemen said she was focused on leading her team’s efforts to tackle the virus.
Sudden arrival of an invader from another land, decimating populations, creating terror. Forces the population to make enormous sacrifices & completely change how they live in order to survive. COVID19 or Cook 1770?
— Dr Annaliese van Diemen (@annaliesevd) April 29, 2020
VICTORIANS HIT THE ROAD
The RACV urged Victorians to take care on the roads this weekend as they enjoyed their first taste of freedom and head out under sunny skies on day trips, picnics, hikes, to fish and play golf.
RACV senior planner Stuart Outhred said the State’s roads were set to be swamped with traffic as coronavirus bans were lifted and families and workers tried to avoid using public transport.
Figures showed traffic in and around Melbourne had been steadily increasing for the past month, and it was expected to get much worse, soon, he said.
“As restrictions ease we can expect a strained and overwhelmed road network in the coming weeks. Melbourne’s chronic congestion may return to pre-COVID levels, especially if many choose to drive instead of catching trains, trams or buses,” Mr Outhred said.
But Melbourne could look to the overseas cities of Vancouver, Milan and Auckland for possible solutions to its looming traffic jam, he said.
“Pop-up infrastructure” and quick-build bike lanes, like those in Canada, Italy and New Zealand, could be the answer.
“Making more room for cyclists and pedestrians along busy corridors would provide the space needed for physical distancing while encouraging more people to walk and cycle,” Mr Outhred said.
– Mandy Squires
TEDDY BEAR ALTERNATIVE FOR COVID-ERA CPR
Teddy bears could be the key to saving lives in a new program teaching children CPR.
While swim lessons have been halted by the lockdown, kids are being encouraged to learn about water safety and practice first aid skills at home.
Life Saving Victoria has produced online videos and sessions for its nippers program. They include classes on how to practice CPR on a teddy or a pillow, and wading through “waves” created by pillows.
Life Saving Victoria’s Kate Simpson said the practical and interactive sessions taught important safety messages.
She said the recordings and support material for all sessions would be available to schools.
“Even though students will be transitioning back to learning at school, many after-school activities like swimming lessons are still unable to run,” she said.
Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club nipper Amber said she was enjoying home lessons but missed training with her friends.
Torquay mum Sarah Gleeson, whose children Sonny, Nash and Elle plan on becoming nippers, said: “It’s a good chance for parents, usually on the pool sidelines, to learn about swim teaching techniques we can use outside the lessons.”
Learn more here.
– Josh Fagan