Two Covid cases isolating in Bendigo and Kyneton

Two positive Covid cases initially recorded in Melbourne are now isolating in the Bendigo region.

The Department of Health and Human Services daily update confirmed that one case had been detected in Greater Bendigo in the past 24-hours. Picture: David Swift

Two positive Covid cases initially recorded in Melbourne are now isolating in the Bendigo region, officials have confirmed.

A Victorian Department of Health spokesman said the people, from Bendigo and Kyneton areas, were known to health authorities in connection to the Melbourne outbreak.

He said the two cases were previously reported, however, were only classed into the Bendigo region as the people returned to their homes for the rest of their isolation.

“There are two previously reported positive cases currently in quarantine in the Bendigo Kyneton area,” he said.

“They did not acquire their infection locally and have been successfully isolating.

“Consequently, there are no local exposure sites associated with these cases.”

On Thursday morning the Department of Health website stated there was only one case in the Greater Bendigo region, and it had been detected within the last 24-hours.

The spokesman said on Thursday evening that information was not correct, as the cases were already tallied in previous daily outbreak numbers.

He said there was no period of time that either case would have been in the Greater Bendigo community.

The City of Greater Bendigo mayor thanked the region’s first Covid cases in almost a year for “doing the right thing” and getting tested and isolating during their infectious period.

The Victorian Government confirmed the positive Covid case on Thursday morning.

Cr Jennifer Alden said the person infected isolated as soon as they were tested which reduced the risk of Covid spreading throughout the community.

“This case is a reminder to be careful and ensure we are taking all the proper precautions,” Cr Alden said.

“Even if we are experiencing the mildest symptoms it is important to be tested.

“This outbreak has again shown how quickly Covid can spread.

“Our thoughts are with this person and we hope that they make a quick recovery.”

Cr Alden said the announcement of a Bendigo region case was unsurprising.

“The State Government said this week that one third of primary close contacts are in regional Victoria, so it is not unexpected that those isolating may develop into positive cases,” she said.

“It is important our community stays calm, takes responsibility for their wellbeing and continues to follow the advice of the day.”

Bendigo Health is expected to provide a statement on Thursday afternoon.

It comes as the state recorded 26 new locally acquired cases, bringing the total number of active cases linked to the current outbreak to 146.

Two new cases of the virus were also detected in hotel quarantine.

The department said all new local cases were linked to the current outbreak.

It said two cases were in the community while infectious.

The daily case number spike comes on a day where more than 43,600 people turned out to get a test.

Reported yesterday: 26 new local cases and 2 new cases acquired overseas (currently in HQ).
- 14,230 vaccine doses were administered
- 43,674 test results were received
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl1hf3W#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicDatapic.twitter.com/7j1ACJv4i7

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) July 21, 2021

Throughout the pandemic 102 cases have been detected in the Greater Bendigo region, with the last positive case in September 2020.

New exposure sites in Central Victoria have not been announced but a Ravenswood Caltex has already been identified in connection to the Mildura case.

It comes after Mildura recorded two new cases on Thursday taking the region’s total to four.

More to come.