Hundreds of people are self-isolating in the north of Melbourne after an increasing outbreak of COVID-19 involving two schools.
Approximately 500 people are self-isolating in their homes from a “abundance of caution” around the metro area.
The outbreak has risen to six families, with a total of 36 people tested positive in the last few weeks.
Victoria ‘s test commander Jeroen Weimar said 73 close contacts had been found at East Preston Islamic College after a year 5 student, who was supposed to be self-isolating, had been tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.
The school was closed for deep cleaning, while students and teachers were isolated.
“Their households have all been asked and instructed to self-isolate and quarantine for the next 14 days,” he said.
The cluster is thought to have been caused by a “confusion” of close contact quarantine regulations.
New cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in Melb’s northern suburbs. If you're in Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston or West Heidelberg and are experiencing symptoms please get tested. #COVID19vichttps://t.co/Z3aT2Xr9xJ. pic.twitter.com/Dg2vdOLdbN
— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) October 21, 2020
Close contact was also found at Dallas Brooks Primary School, which was also closed for deep cleaning and contact tracing.
Although a household in a collective housing block in Broadmeadows was also tested positive, another 120 people were isolated for 48 hours as a result.
Alternative housing options have been given to families so that they can quarantine securely and efficiently.