Hobsons Bay warned not to let guard down

Chief health officer Brett Sutton on Tuesday singled out Hobsons Bay for mystery cases. (Joe Mastroianni) 248974_05

Goya Dmytryshchak

Exposure sites across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have grown in the past week, with multiple major supermarkets and a children’s centre impacted.

It comes as 76 new local cases of COVID-19 statewide were announced on Tuesday, 31 of them mystery cases.

Three new cases were linked to Millers Junction shopping centre in Altona North and one to The Learning Sanctuary childcare and early education centre in Spotswood.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton on Tuesday singled out Hobsons Bay as one of the more challenging areas for infections not linked to known outbreaks.

“We continue to see mystery cases on a daily basis, especially in the northern and western suburbs,” he said.

“I know everyone in Hobsons Bay, in Wyndham and surrounds are aware that COVID is present in their neighbourhoods and the vast majority of people understand what they need to do to protect themselves and their families.

“… The consequence of letting your guard down, even for a short period of time, is really significant.

“It could mean the difference between you containing it to yourself and nobody else or introducing it to those you love, your extended family, your friends.”

More tier two exposure times were added for Woolworths and Aldi at Millers Junction, Coles at Altona Gate Shopping Centre, Woolworths at Borrack Square and IGA East Altona – all in Altona North.

Other new tier two supermarkets include Coles and Woolworths at Williamstown, and Coles at Footscray Plaza and Yarraville on the corner of Williamstown Road and High Street.

Anyone who shopped at a tier two site during exposure times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result.

People should get tested again if symptoms appear.

To find out where to get tested: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

Information on exposure sites: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites