No Geelong COVID-19 cases, but return to office plans may be udner threat

Plans for up to 50 per cent of private sector employees to return to the office next week could be in jeopardy as the state government tries to curb Victoria’s latest coronavirus outbreak.

Plans for up to 50 per cent of private sector employees to return to the office next week could be in jeopardy as the state government tries to curb Victoria’s latest coronavirus outbreak.

The state government confirmed it has asked the public health team to review Victoria’s return to work schedule as number of active coronavirus cases climbed to 38 on Tuesday.

Barwon Health confirmed 445 people were tested for COVID-19 across its two sites on Monday.

As of Tuesday there were no active cases in Greater Geelong and no locally listed exposure sites.

The state recorded three new locally acquired cases of coronavirus as of Tuesday, and one case in a returned flight crew member.

Police Minister Lisa Neville confirmed more than 1000 close and secondary contacts were in quarantine and being monitored as health experts work around the clock to the contain the virus.

COVID-19 Testing at the Barwon Health North drive through in Norlane. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The Black Rock cluster has grown to 27 cases across 14 households with coronavirus testing commander Jeroen Weimar confirming all community transmission of the virus occurred at the Smile Buffalo Thai Restaurant on December 21, or in household contacts of those positive cases.

The Victorian Public Service were set to begin a phased return to work with up to 25 per cent capacity from January 11, moving to up to 50 per cent on February 9 – subject to public health advice and epidemiology.

Meanwhile, the private sector was expected to be allowed to have 50 per cent of employees in the office from Monday.

Early on Tuesday Ms Neville said there was “no changes” in advice for employers, but by late 6pm directions were under review.

“The Government has asked the public health team to review Victoria’s return to work schedule,” a spokeswoman said.

It’s understood much of Geelong’s largely public-sector workforce were expected to continue to work from home for at least another month, with the TAC previously stating workers would gradually return from February.

A National Disability Insurance Agency spokeswoman said the agency’s return to work plan would be guided by relevant state and Department of Health guidelines.

“Victorian-based staff will begin a phased return to offices later this month, in line with those guidelines,” she said.

The City of Greater Geelong is expected to release its return to work plan on Wednesday.

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Originally published as No Geelong COVID-19 cases, but return to office plans may be udner threat