Victoria's major coronavirus outbreaks grow overnight as more cases detected
Victoria's ongoing outbreaks at Cedar Meats and a McDonald's outlet continue to worsen after more cases were identified overnight.
Victoria has recorded 11 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, bringing the state's total number of active cases to 110.
AAP
Two of the cases have been linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak and one has been linked to the McDonald's outbreak in Fawkner.
The Cedar Meats outbreak is now responsible for 98 cases of coronavirus including 64 staff members and 34 close contacts.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton, this week admitted the outbreak at the abattoir could have been handled better, despite state ministers previously stating it had been managed "perfectly".
The number of cases related to the Fawkner McDonalds has risen to 10 including a number of staff and family members.
The McDonalds fast food restaurant in Craigeburn were a positive COVID-19 test was recorded. Chris Hopkins/The Age
The outbreak was believed to have begun with an employee who was infected last Thursday, but a McDonald's Australia spokesperson told 9News there was "no suggestion the employee was exposed to COVID-19 in the restaurant".
The restaurant has since undergone a deep clean and workers from other McDonald's who are not linked to the cases are expected to brought to the location in order to keep the business running.
The new cases identified overnight are a result of the states testing blitz which puts Victoria ahead of all other states and territories in regards to testing rate per capita.
The state's testing blitz has seen 56,000 people tested for the virus since Monday, smashing the state government's goal of testing 50,000 people by the end tomorrow.
Victoria has also begun testing their teachers who are now able to be tested regardless of whether they are presenting symptoms or not.
Since early this week, 1200 teachers have been tested and so far, none have tested positive.
Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos. Nine
Victoria's Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos, has warned Victorians that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over and the new cases should serve as a reminder about the risks of community transmission.
"It's important that everyone understands this pandemic is not over, we have a long way to go still," she said.
"Just because you can do more things, doesn't mean you should do those things."
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