GHOST TOWN
Reports of second Geelong COVID-19 case Streets, sports grounds empty as more events axed All travellers to be quarantined, handshakes banned
GEELONG’S city streets and sports arenas were as empty as its supermarket shelves at the weekend, as the true magnitude of COVID-19 started to take effect.
While public gatherings drew to a halt, it emerged the city had its second case of the virus.
Neither the Department of Health and Human Services nor Barwon Health would confirm the matter, but the Geelong Advertiser understands a man is being treated in isolation for the virus after presenting with relevant symptoms on Friday.
The department said the outbreak was now too widespread to offer “case-by-case” information on what public venues carriers of the virus had attended, and said there was limited value in this information as the virus was rarely spread by casual contact.
It’s believed the man had recently returned from Italy.
People who were in close contact with him were told to isolate themselves for 14 days, as per the standard procedure.
The same fate now awaits those who arrive at Avalon Airport — and other Australian terminals — from overseas after Prime Minister Scott
Morrison upped border protection moves yesterday.
Meanwhile, widespread school closures now loom, which will force many parents to alter their work arrangements.
GEELONG’S city streets and sports arenas were as empty as its supermarket shelves at the weekend, as the true magnitude of COVID-19 started to take effect.
While public gatherings drew to a halt, it emerged the city had its second case of the virus.
Neither the Department of Health and Human Services nor Barwon Health would confirm the matter, but the Geelong Advertiser understands a man is being treated in isolation for the virus after presenting with relevant symptoms on Friday.
The department said the outbreak was now too widespread to offer “case-by-case” information on what public venues carriers of the virus had attended, and said there was limited value in this information as the virus was rarely spread by casual contact.
It’s believed the man had recently returned from Italy.
People who were in close contact with him were told to isolate themselves for 14 days, as per the standard procedure.
The same fate now awaits those who arrive at Avalon Airport — and other Australian terminals — from overseas after Prime Minister Scott Morrison upped border protection moves yesterday.
Meanwhile, widespread school closures now loom, which will force many parents to alter their work arrangements.
Geelong Grammar School was the first school to call off its term-one classes at the weekend, while Deakin University announced it would reduce face-to-face contact at its campuses by holding lectures online.
Avalon Airport chief Justin Giddings said the travel restrictions announced yesterday would have a “massive impact” on international flights, and also affect domestic travel. Mr Giddings was locked in talks with fellow Aussie airline chiefs and the Department of Home Affairs last night when the Geelong Advertiser went to press.
Before that he said he expected more passengers to cancel flights, forcing airlines to ground planes.
“We’ve already had a lot of inquiries from different airlines about being able to park their aircraft at Avalon while they’re grounded,” he said.
“This is definitely going to have a very significant impact.”
At least two of the 57 confirmed coronavirus cases in Victoria have been linked to Geelong, but the DHHS expects those numbers to rise.
It said all 57 people were now recovering in isolation after acquiring the virus overseas or through close contact with a confirmed carrier.
Unlike last week, when the number of confirmed cases was smaller, the department said it would no longer provide public reports on sites exposed to the virus.
It said the risk of transmission through casual contact was “extremely low”, with more than 1000 people tested after crossing paths with a confirmed carrier, but not one found to have contracted the virus.
“For the virus to spread, extended close personal contact is most likely required,” Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.
“All Victorians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Close personal contact is at least 15 minutes face-to-face or more than two hours in the same room.
“At the moment, we urge the public to be mindful and take steps to minimise the risk of COVID-19. Everyone also has a role to play in protecting yourself and your family. Hands should be washed regularly with soap and water. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you are ill, stay at home.”
Mr Morrison’s message to the nation yesterday even included telling Australians to stay 1.5m apart and avoid handshakes.
Instead of high-fiving their successes, many local sportspeople that did get a game in at the weekend were seen tapping each other elbow-to-elbow.
Cricket, lawn bowls, soccer and footy practice matches were among the sports that went ahead while basketball, tennis and the Head of the Schoolgirls rowing regatta were called off.
The Surf Coast Trek, scheduled for later this month, was called off at the weekend.