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8.10pm
The Shepparton COVID-19 cluster has grown to 17 cases.
Goulburn Valley Health chief executive Matt Sharp warned it was likely more people would test positive in coming days.
The Victorian cabinet held an evening meeting today to discuss possible further restrictions in light of the growing outbreaks.
It's understood a regional lockdown was discussed, though an announcement is not expected until tomorrow.
A spokesperson said 'all options were on the table'.
All community sport in Victoria has been cancelled.
The spokesperson said 'in the interests in not contributing to any further spread of the virus, all community sporting leagues across regional Victoria are asked to immediately cancel their activities.'
The following exposure sites have been revealed by the Victorian government. Each sight was visited by someone who later tested positive to COVID.
Tier two sites:
- Bakers Delight Shepparton City Shop 3/39 Vaughan Street. 15/08/2021 8:00am - 11:00am
- Bakers Delight Shepparton CityShop 3/39 Vaughan StreetShepparton VIC 3630 16/08/2021 9:00am - 10:00am
Advice: Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear
Tier one site:
- Shepparton Tutoring Centre 1st Floor, 296 Wyndham Street. 17/08/2021 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Advice: Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
4.45pm
Another five people have tested positive to COVID-19 in Shepparton, bringing the total number of cases linked to the outbreak to 12.
Goulburn Valley Health chief executive Matt Sharp said everyone who has tested positive were family members of the original case, a man in his 30s.
However the family members are from two separate households. The origin of the man's infection is unknown.
All of the positive cases are isolating.
Mr Sharp said "exposure sites will be published as more information becomes available and can be accessed at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-site."
Testing is available at:
- Acute Respiratory Clinic GV Health at Graham Street Shepparton until 7:45pm
- Shepparton Sports Precinct, corner of Numurkah Road and Brauman Street, Shepparton until 7:45pm
Additional resources are being dedicated to these two locations this afternoon and evening to increase COVID-19 testing availability.
- An additional drive through testing site will open tomorrow at Shepparton Harness Racing Complex
Mr Sharp urged any residents with even mild COVID symptoms to get tested and isolate.
St Mel's Primary School was closed today as the original case - a man in his 30s - had two children at the school.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College confirmed students from its Wanganui and McGuire campuses had been identified as close contacts.
The school closed all its campuses, asking parents to collect their children as soon as possible.
3pm
Six additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Shepparton, on top of the original case - a man in his 30s - diagnosed this morning.
The Shepparton News is reporting the six cases are from the man's family though not all the cases lived in the same house.
The origin of the man's infection is not yet known.
An exposure site at the Shepparton Tutoring Centre has been identified.
Authorities say the case attended venue on August 17 from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Residents who attended the site during the window should get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure.
12.30pm
COVID Commander Jerone Weimar has identified the Shepparton COVID case as a man in his 30s.
"Shepparton remains, of course, on lower restrictions than Melbourne and it's very important we identify any linkages to this case, we'll have more to say over coming days," he said.
Mr Weimar said the man's family was being tested today.
He said two children in the family attend St Mel's Primary School which has been shut down.
Mr Weimar asked people who do not have symptoms to get tested tomorrow not today.
He said it was not yet known where the man contracted the virus.
11.30am
Parents have been asked to collect their students from St Mel's Primary School after someone in the school community tested positive to COVID-19.
In a letter to parents, the school indicated all members of the school community have been identified as close or casual contacts and must isolate.
All household members should also isolate.
Guardians were told to collect their children immediately.
"Please be advised we are doing everything we can in accordance with DH and government advice," the letter said.
"We will continue to keep you updated as soon as information comes through via email and School Stream."
PREVIOUSLY:
A Shepparton resident has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home.
Goulburn Valley Health chief executive Matt Sharp confirmed the news online.
He said contact tracing was current underway and would be a primary focus of the health service's public health unit.
Mr Sharpe said details about community locations of concern would be provided once the information is known.
"Anyone identified as a close contact will be contacted directly by the tracing team," he told residents.
"Exposure sites will be published during the day as more information becomes available."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Mr Sharp urged anyone in the community who feels unwell or has any COVID symptoms to get tested immediately and stay at home until they received the results of their test.
"Do not go about your normal day to day activities such as work or going out in the community," he said.
"Please do the right thing and do not place your family members, friends, colleagues and the broader community at risk."
Goulburn Valley Health's acute respiratory clinic at Graham Street is open.
Two additional drive through testing sites are being established and are expected to open later today.
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