FULL PRESS CONFERENCE Andrews labels Vic coronavirus outbreak a ‘public health bushfire’

almost 4 years in news

Premier Daniel Andrews has labelled Victoria's coronavirus situation a "public health bushfire" as the state struggles to curb its second outbreak of the virus.

More than 3,000 residents in nine public housing towers across two Victorian postcodes have been subjected to total lockdowns, effective immediately, following a triple-figure increase in COVID-19 cases overnight.

Mr Andrews confirmed a record increase of 108 new cases of coronavirus, primarily at Flemington and North Melbourne.

"The challenge today is we've got unacceptably high numbers in two further postcodes," Mr Andrews said.

"Whilst it gives no one in the public health team or government any joy, we have to announce postcodes 3031 and 3051 will be the subject - from 11:59 pm tonight - of the Stay at Home order.

"The alternative is that we don't have 12 postcodes locked-down but all postcodes locked-down."

The Premier said residents within the nine public housing towers were not permitted to leave for any reason and individuals would not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.

"There will be a massive logistical task to make sure people are fed, given the support they need and I don't for a moment underestimate how challenging and traumatic it will be for those 3,000 residents," he said.

"It is not dissimilar to the way aged care facilities are treated if there is an outbreak.

"I'm the premier of the state, I'm the leader of the government and I'm accountable and responsible to get this job done."

Residents will be required to remain isolated for up to five days.

Image: News Corp Australia

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