Labor MP warns of ‘second wave’

Meat factory workers test positive

AUSTRALIA’S handling of the coronavirus is at a critical stage as some states start to ease restrictions and the national cabinet prepares to consider lifting some broader curbs next week.

However, a federal opposition frontbencher believes people are equally concerned about a “second wave” of a virus that other countries thought they had under control.

“I think everyone has really taken very seriously the experience of Singapore, which was of course lauded as a great example of how to manage the pandemic, and of course they have been struck by a very significant second wave,” Labor’s Andrew Giles told ABC television yesterday.

A CORONAVIRUS cluster has been uncovered at a Melbourne meat processor amid warnings Victoria’s progress against the pandemic remains “incredibly fragile”.

Seven new cases have been confirmed across the state, including a paramedic, bringing the total number of infections to 1371.

It came as Health Minister Jenny Mikakos yesterday revealed eight staff members at a meat-processing facility in Melbourne had tested positive for COVID-19. The business, which she refused to identify, closed on Friday for cleaning and all staff were being tested.

Ms Mikakos stressed there were no concerns about food safety or risk to the broader community.