Melbourne meat processor closes after staff test positive for coronavirus

A Melbourne meat processing facility has closed after an “outbreak” of coronavirus cases among its staff.

A MELBOURNE meat processor has closed after eight employees tested positive for coronavirus.

All staff are being tested and the company agreed to close its facility yesterday as a precaution.

Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, who described the situation as an “outbreak”, said three of the eight staff who had tested positive were included in today’s state coronavirus tally of 1371 cases — an increase of seven cases since yesterday.

“Testing for all staff is being conducted. Contact tracing is occurring of any confirmed cases as well,” she said.

“There are no current concerns about food safety.

“DHHS is working closely with Agriculture Victoria, as well as PrimeSafe on issues related to the processing of animals.”

There have been no reports of coronavirus in domestic animals, livestock or wildlife in Australia.

Agriculture Victoria told The Weekly Times “it is not anticipated that this matter will have any significant impact on the supply of meat to consumers”.

Ms Mikakos refused to identify the Melbourne business.

“We won’t be providing the name of the facility,” she said.

“The department’s policy is to provide the details if they believe there is a public health risk.

“Given all the staff have been tested, all the close contacts have been followed up by the department’s public health team, there is no need to name the facility.”

Ms Mikakos said she would have “no hesitation in naming a facility” if it was in the public’s interest and if there were a risk of community transmission.

“A facility will be named if there is a risk of community transmission occurring, if there’s potential that staff or patient lists haven’t been fulsome in terms of the information that’s provided to the department to enable them to do that rapid contact tracing.”

The Melbourne meat processor is working with the Department of Health to ensure the facility is thoroughly cleaned.

The department said all staff were being provided with information on potential exposure to coronavirus in the workplace, symptoms and quarantine requirements.