Victorian chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton tests negative for COVID-19

Victoria’s chief health officer has been cleared of COVID-19 after a day spent at home, declaring: “I think colds are making a comeback”.

Victoria’s chief health officer has tested negative for COVID-19 after coming down with a runny nose and sore throat.

Professor Brett Sutton, whose job is to protect the state’s public health, said he found himself feeling worse for wear on Monday.

“Not feeling well today - runny nose, sore throat and headache,” he tweeted on Monday.

“Tested for #COVID19 and at home until I get my result. Just like 4.5 million Victorians have done. Great job by @VicGovDHtest site in Wantirna South. Thanks team.”

Not feeling well today - runny nose, sore throat and headache. Tested for #COVIDー19 and at home until I get my result. Just like 4.5 million Victorians have done. Great job by @VicGovDH test site in Wantirna South. Thanks team 🙏

— Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) February 8, 2021

Shortly before 8pm on Monday, Prof Sutton updated his legion of more than 100,000 followers.

“Aaaaand, a negative result,” he said on Twitter.

“Thanks for all your kind wishes. I think colds are making a comeback as school returns. But #EveryTestHelps, right? Thinking of the quarantine workers who did exactly the right thing.”

Aaaaand, a negative result. Thanks for all your kind wishes. I think colds are making a comeback as school returns. But #EveryTestHelps, right? Thinking of the quarantine workers who did exactly the right thing. 😊 pic.twitter.com/hxnNtnr04B

— Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) February 8, 2021

It comes as more than 100 people - including 80 hotel quarantine hotel staff, nine police and a dozen army personnel - are isolating following the latest COVID-19 case of a hotel quarantine worker in Melbourne.

The authorised officer at the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport tested positive on Sunday, sparking an investigation and a further crackdown on the already tough system.

The hotel quarantine staff had been stood down or were in isolation and had to be tested, Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said on Monday.

They must isolate for 14 days from the time of potential exposure.

Three exposure sites have also been listed and an initial 15 people identified as primary close contacts.

Ms Neville said it did not appear there had been any breach by the hotel quarantine worker.

There are 20 active COVID-19 cases in Victoria.