24 May 2021

Covid-19: Victoria records two 'likely positive cases'

1:47 pm on 24 May 2021

Victorian health authorities have reported two "likely positive cases" of Covid-19 in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Health department officials arrive to inspect a restaurant and bar in Melbourne on May 12, 2021.

Health department officials arrive to inspect a restaurant and bar in Melbourne on May 12, 2021. Photo: AFP / William West

"It's currently understood the two individuals are connected," the Department of Health said in a tweet.

"A full investigation is under way into these results, and initial public health actions are being put in place while both individuals isolate and are urgently retested.

"We will communicate any specific public health actions the community needs to undertake as soon as possible when investigations and case interviews are complete."

It comes after authorities ramped up testing in the northern suburb of Epping after a mix-up with the exposure sites for a positive case who returned to Melbourne this month.

Authorities had listed the Woolworths at Epping, when it should have been the Woolworths at Epping North.

New Zealand - which has a quarantine-free travel bubble with the country - provided its Covid-19 update this afternoon saying the Ministry of Health was aware of the situation in Melbourne and was working with its Australian counterparts.

It said it expected to provide a further update later today.

On Sunday, authorities were still waiting for test results from three people linked to that exposure site, while 10 others had returned negative results.

On Friday, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton revealed traces of Covid-19 had been detected in the Epping and Wollert area and urged residents with the slightest symptoms to get tested.

Health authorities are expected to hold a press conference this afternoon to provide more information.

- ABC

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