Masks become the new reality

MORE than 80 per cent of Victoria’s coronavirus cases since mid-May were spread at workplaces, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday as he announced 363 new cases and three deaths for the state.

There was significant transmission through the aged-care sector where casual workers regularly moved from facility to facility, he added.

Victoria has now passed 5500 cases, with 5233 of those in Melbourne. There have been 38 deaths in the state.

On Sunday, the Premier said the global pandemic had exposed the “big challenge” of a casualised workforce in which people did not have access to sick leave.

In response, the Victorian and federal governments have unveiled a plan to aid the aged-care sector that will provide funding to minimise staff moving between centres, as well as further infection control and increased testing.

“We know we have a transient workforce, a casualised workforce, working across many aged-care facilities,” Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said. “We have seen instances in recent days of staff who have worked across multiple facilities and we have had multiple outbreaks across those facilities.”

Ms Mikakos stressed the importance of people not attending work if they had tested positive or had to selfisolate because of contact with a confirmed case, reminding casual workers of the $1500 hardship payment.

“This is a really important measure to ensure people are not having to make a difficult choice between putting food on the table for their family or turning up for work when they are unwell,” she said.

Victorians in the lockeddown areas of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will also be required to wear masks or face coverings when outside their homes from 11.59pm on Wednesday.

Mr Andrews announced the rule on Sunday, saying residents who failed to comply would be hit with a $200 fine. It will apply to people aged 12 and older.