Coronavirus Victoria: Early Hope Learning centre shuts after worker tests positive

A popular childcare centre in Melbourne’s southeast has shut after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

A staff member at a popular childcare centre in Melbourne’s southeast has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Hope Early Learning Centre in Frankston Heights confirmed to NCA NewsWire the site closed on Thursday as soon as management discovered a worker had become infected.

Manager Andrea Puddy said the centre, which has up to 120 children come through its doors each day, had started contact tracing with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Deep cleaning is under way at the Robina St site, and all families connected to the centre have been notified.

It comes after a COVID-19 case at another Melbourne hospital.

Mercy Hospital for Women issued the warning to staff on Thursday, with chief executive Jason Payne advising the Heidelberg hospital was taking “an extremely cautious approach”.

Victoria broke a grim record on Thursday, with the state recording 317 new infections.

It marked the largest increase in Victoria or any Australian state or territory since the pandemic began.

Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to address the media about the latest virus cases later on Friday.

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