Coronavirus: Fears of Victoria Police outbreak as detective tests positive to COVID-19

Almost 30 Victoria detectives and officers in Melbourne and Shepparton have been forced into isolation.

A Victoria Police officer has tested positive to COVID-19. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Almost 30 Victoria Police detectives and officers have been forced into isolation after a member tested positive for coronavirus.

The Australian has confirmed that a detective based at Crime Command in Spencer St received a positive test result on Thursday, and the decision was taken for 12 police officers in the same unit to self-isolate.

The police officer who tested positive had been working in Shepparton, in central Victoria, last week and as a result 16 officers from the regional city’s police station have also been forced to self-isolate.

The positive test has sparked concerns of a widespread outbreak with police ranks, and a Victoria Police spokesman said a “thorough assessment of the impact on other police personnel and the community” has been launched.

“Victoria Police’s priority first and foremost is to ensure the safety of its people and the community,” a spokesman said on Friday.

“The office area was professionally deep-cleaned yesterday afternoon, with other police personnel asked to not attend the office during this time.”

The 28 police officers and detectives will now all be tested, Victoria Police confirmed.

“The area occupied by the police at Shepparton police station was immediately blocked off and was professionally deep cleaned last night,” a police spokesman said.