Two Woolworths distribution centres close in Melbourne after coronavirus outbreak

A coronavirus outbreak has caused two Woolworths distribution centres in Melbourne's south-east to shut after more than a dozen cases of COVID-19 were detected among staff and contractors.

The closure of the Melbourne Produce Distribution Centre (MPDC) and Melbourne National Distribution Centre (MNDC) in Mulgrave comes after 12 additional staff members tested positive to COVID-19 over the weekend.

A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed to 9News 17 cases of COVID-19 had been recorded at the sites.

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The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today said 15 cases had been linked to the distribution centre.

"For the safety of our team, we've suspended operations at our Melbourne Produce Distribution Centre and Melbourne National Distribution Centre," a Woolworths spokesperson said.

"The majority of these cases were discovered in our voluntary proactive COVID-19 testing program at the sites.

"While the results of surface testing for the presence of COVID-19 at both sites have come back negative, we're putting our team and customers first by taking the precautionary measure to suspend operations.

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"We've conducted forensic cleaning at both DCs and will work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to determine when the facilities can recommence operations."

The first coronavirus case was a contractor at the MNDC, with the supermarket giant advised of the infection on July 13.

Woolworths was then made aware of two further cases last Thursday, another two on Friday, before 12 were recorded at the weekend. Operations were then suspended on Sunday night.

Thermal imaging to check temperatures of staff and health screening had been implemented across the sites.

Truck drivers who entered the centres were also being temperature checked.

Woolworths has implemented "temporary measures" to deliver produce from alternate distribution centres to maintain fruit and vegetable supply in Victorian supermarkets.

All other distribution centres remain open in Victoria.