Victoria records no new local cases of coronavirus

Victorians were fearing the worst yesterday after a group of mystery cases emerged, but the state has recorded an astonishing Covid-19 result on Friday.

Victoria has recorded no new local cases of coronavirus as Melburnians ease out of a two-week lockdown on Friday.

There are now 75 active cases and 142 exposure sites across the state.

The state posted four new local cases of coronavirus on Thursday, with the Department of Health investigating the source of acquisition.

The cases — a man in his 80s, a woman in her 70s, a man in his 50s and a man in his 20s — are from the same household in Reservoir, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Victorian deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng said the first positive case recorded on Wednesday night was a man in his 80s, who was tested on June 9 and got his result on Wednesday.

The other members of the household tested positive on Wednesday also.

“We had already tested several close contacts of these cases outside of the household and they’ve all come back negative but obviously will remain in quarantine,” Prof Cheng said.

Testing commander Jeroen Weimar said: “I’m pleased to note that one of the individuals who returned the first positive test only turned symptomatic on June 7 and was tested the day after and returned that test result yesterday.

“Their swiftness in acting has been so important for us to identify that group quickly and in that family unit, there were earlier tests taken as well.”

Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino eased some restrictions for Victorians earlier this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray

It comes after health authorities uncovered three more concerning sewage detections of Covid-19 overnight.

The health department said there had been three new positive detections of coronavirus viral fragments in wastewater samples taken in the Pascoe Vale, Scoresby and Vermont areas in a statement late on Thursday.

Residents and recent visitors to the following suburbs between June 3 and 7 have been urged to monitor for symptoms and get tested if any develop:

• Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale; Burwood East, Forest Hill, Glen Waverley, Scoresby, Vermont South, Wantirna South, Wheelers Hill; Balwyn, Balwyn North, Blackburn, Blackburn, North, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Mitcham, Mont Albert, Mont Albert North, Nunawading.
  

Health authorities uncovered three more concerning sewage detections of Covid-19 overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire /David Crosling

And on Thursday, viral fragments were discovered in a wastewater sample in Bendigo in regional Victoria where there were also no active positive cases.

Residents and recent visitors between June 3 and 7 to the suburbs of California Gully, Eaglehawk, Epsom, Huntly, Jackass Flat, Maiden Gully, Marong, North Bendigo and Sailors Gully are also urged to monitor for symptoms and get tested if any develop.

“The wastewater testing program is designed as an early warning system and a cautious approach is always taken when these detections are found,” the health department said.