Victoria’s COVID-19 cluster hits 65 cases as lockdown extension gets underway

• The number of local COVID-19 cases in Victoria has hit 65 as the state wakes up to its first day of an extended two-week lockdown
• Victorians will remain in stage four lockdown until Thursday, June 10, after the number of active cases in the community ballooned over the last week
• Six new cases of the virus were recorded on Friday morning, while two previously recorded COVID-19 cases have been declared as ‘false positives’
• It’s welcome news for health authorities, who’d previously raised concerns about how the two cases caught the virus with only fleeting contact
• The Victorian Opposition Leader argues the false positives mean lockdown should be lifted early, but the State’s Premier is remaining firm on restrictions

The number of local COVID-19 cases in Victoria has hit 65 as the state wakes up to its first day of an extended two-week lockdown.

The Victorian Government confirmed on Wednesday it’ll remain in stage four lockdown until June 10, after the number of active cases in the community ballooned over the last week.

Six new cases of the virus were recorded on Friday morning, including two cases in hotel quarantine and four local cases.

The Victorian Health Department also announced two previously recorded COVID-19 cases are ‘false positives’.

Following analysis by an expert review panel, two cases linked to this outbreak have been declared false positives. pic.twitter.com/MGa0DFeRaU

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) June 3, 2021

“Following analysis by an expert review panel, and retesting through the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, two cases linked to this outbreak have been declared false positives,” the department stated.

It’s welcome news for the state’s health authorities as they’d previously raised concerns about how the two cases caught the virus with only fleeting contact — suggesting this outbreak may be more virulent than previous strains.

However, Victorian Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien argues the false positives show an extended lockdown is no longer strictly necessary.

If the basis for the lockdown extension turned out to be false, it should end.

Time for the Labor Government to be upfront with Victorians. https://t.co/mfyBnUuceE

— Michael O’Brien (@michaelobrienmp) June 3, 2021

“So two of the ‘fleeting contacts’ we were all being scared about turn out not to be COVID cases at all. Good. Now can the Andrews Labor Govt please focus on a plan to end this hugely damaging lockdown?” he added in a social media post.

But Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino ruled out the possibility in a press conference on Friday, stating the lockdown would remain in place for now.

“Our answer on that hasn’t changed and nor should it. It is absolutely based on public health advice and that is assessed day by day, hour by hour,” he said.

“The proposition put forward by public health was that we needed this further seven-day period for Greater Melbourne to absolutely run this thing to the ground. That remains the case,” he added.