Upsurge in COVID cases linked to Melbourne Black Lives Matter protests

Sky News can reveal that the number of COVID-19 cases linked to the Melbourne’s Black Lives matter protests a fortnight ago have risen to five. Sky News Political editor Andrew Clennell said contact tracers from NSW and South Australia have been sent to Victoria to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. “We already knew that three protesters have tested positive to the virus but now we understand two cases identified today were linked to one of the protesters at the rally,” Mr Clennell said. “There have been reports one protester at the rallies worked at a H&M store for two days while ill.” “The policy seems to also be to shut down certain suburbs and certain areas, rather than the whole of Melbourne. The revelations come as Victorian businesses brace for restrictions to be re-imposed in the wake of the renewed spread of COVID-19. The heightened restrictions, which came after 16 new cases were recorded in Victoria yesterday, has led the Victorian Government to designate six hotspot areas it will target with health advice doorknockers. Mr Clennell said the Federal Government is concerned the situation in Victoria may prompt other premiers to become “squeamish” about re-opening their state or territory. “In NSW, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro suggested that restrictions should be considered for Victorians coming over the border, particularly to the ski fields,” Mr Clennell said. “He wants holiday travel from Victoria restricted...it will be discussed at the NSW cabinet this afternoon but Gladys Berejiklian does not want any border restrictions.” Mr Clennell said while Australia has performed well during the nascent stage of the outbreak, the situation in Victoria is a warning to other jurisdictions. “This is a wakeup call I guess, as Scott Morrison and Gladys Berejiklian described it, to be vigilant on social distancing and testing if people have symptoms,” he said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au