By Laura Michell
A Thomastown abattoir has been closed after a worker tested positive for coronavirus.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the closure of Pacific Meats Abattoir this afternoon, adding that all workers were being tested.
It is one of two abattoirs to record confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, with the department also confirming a case at JBS Abattoir in Brooklyn.
The closures come as the number of active coronavirus cases in Hume rose to 124.
Active cases are defined as someone who has tested positive, is currently in isolation and being monitored by DHHS and who has not yet recovered.
The municipality has recorded 22 new cases since Sunday.
As reported by Star Weekly, a staff member at Bunnings in Craigieburn tested positive for the virus, requiring the store to be deep cleaned.
A manager at KFC Craigieburn has also tested positive for the virus, with the store closed for cleaning yesterday, while two students at Kolbe Catholic College in Greenvale also returned positive tests.
A family outbreak in Roxburgh Park has now spread to 28 people.
There are 84 confirmed cases of the virus in Whittlesea, of which 31 are active.
Five cases have been linked to the Northern Hospital emergency department, while 17 people have been linked to an outbreak in Wollert.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, urged people living in restricted postcodes – including 3064 and 3047– to follow the rules and get tested.
“This virus is not selective, it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission. More than 300,000 people live across these suburbs. We need everyone to do their part and ensure it is stopped in its tracks,” Professor Sutton said.
“And no matter where you live, it remains critical to practice good hygiene in and outside the home – wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and try to avoid touching your face,
“Don’t take this disease lightly. If you feel unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you should stay home and get tested.”
