Shepparton community 'the best of Victoria' in responding to COVID-19 outbreak

A regional community has been dubbed "the best of Victoria on display" as it works to fight a rapidly growing COVID-19 outbreak in the city.

A total of 36 cases have emerged in Shepparton since Friday, with 14 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours.

Testing centres in Shepparton were inundated on Saturday and Sunday, with 5500 people tested for COVID-19 across the two days.

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COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said a third of the 3753 identified primary close contacts of cases had returned a negative test result.

He said three Shepparton schools were involved in the outbreak, including Greater Shepparton Secondary College's four campuses, Notre Dame Secondary School and St Mel's Primary school.

Premier Daniel Andrews today commended the Goulburn Valley for its response to the sudden outbreak.

"A shoutout to the Goulburn Valley community," he said.

"It is a strong and proud community, they look out for each other and they are coming out to get tested in strong numbers.

"Indeed, businesses in Shepparton are reaching out and supporting their fellow Goulburn Valley residents.

"It is the best of Victoria on display and they should be proud of that."

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However, police are investigating an allegation a funeral with about 500 attendees took place in Shepparton in recent weeks, breaching COVID-19 density restrictions.

Mr Andrews said he had no information on such an event.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told 3AW earlier police were investigating the large funeral, which took place when the city was not under a full lockdown.

"I know we're looking at what the numbers were, as to whether they exceeded," he said.

He said the Department of Health was looking at whether any risks were posed at the event.

Health authorities are yet to determine how the virus made its way to Shepparton.

Shepparton exposure sites

The rapidly growing number of exposure sites in Shepparton has reached 50.

Gyms, a medical centre, shops, cafes and food outlets are among the list of sites.

Derrimut 24/7 Gym on Benalla Road has been named a Tier One site after a case attended on Thursday between 7pm and 9.30pm, as well as on 15 August between 2.30pm and 4.30pm and on 14 August between 6pm and 12am.

Janus Health Hub on Corio Street has also been deemed a Tier One site between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday after someone with COVID-19 was in the Dance Revival Class.

Signature Cuts on High Street has been named a Tier One site on August 14 between midday and 2.30pm.

Zambrero on Fryers Street has been listed as a Tier Two site between 5pm and 9pm on August 16.

Farm Fresh Fruit and Vegetables and has been declared a Tier One site between 6.45pm and 7.15pm on August 16 and between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on August 17.

Anyone who visited these sites must get tested and isolate immediately.