Coronavirus crisis: second staff member at University of Melbourne tests positive

A second staff member at the University of Melbourne has tested positive for coronavirus.

The new case comes after the university revealed a staff member returned a positive diagnosis yesterday.

In a statement released today, the University of Melbourne said the staff member had arrived back from overseas before the Australian Government's mandatory 14-day self-isolation period.

The employee visited the Peter Hall Building (Building 160) and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Building 161 on March 17.

"The staff member was not unwell when they attended campus and they are now at home self-isolating," the statement read.

"The University is in contact with them directly to ensure that they are well supported.

"The University is currently contacting any people who may have been in close contact with the staff member to advise them of the situation and need to self-isolate."

Buildings 160 and 161 will be closed until Monday whilst a deep sanitising clean is undertaken.

The university is working with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and visitors.