Tate Papworth
Brimbank recorded nine new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend.
A second staff member at the Joan Kirner Women and Children’s Hospital also tested positive for the virus.
The Department of Health and Human Services said the worker was a close contact of a known case who was already in quarantine.
Last week Star Weekly reported two patients and 16 staff members were forced into home isolation after the first positive result.
It brings the total number of active cases in Brimbank to 57 with an overall total of 161.
In a bid to quell the spread of the virus, Premier Daniel Andrews last week imposed a stay at home lockdown upon a number of Brimbank suburbs.
Police flooded Brimbank postcodes 3038, 3012, 3042 and 3021 as officers set up checkpoints at high traffic areas to ensure people had a valid reason for leaving closed suburbs.
Mounted police and foot patrols were also highly visible.
Residents within these postcodes have been ordered to stay at home unless they are shopping for food and supplies, out for medical care and caregiving, exercise and study or work.
On-the-spot fines will be issued for anyone outside for any other reason.
Cafes and restaurants are only open for take-away and delivery services and a number of council facilities and services have been forced back into closure.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton urged all members of the community to adhere to the rules and to get tested.
“Victorians in these locked down suburbs are being urged to do their bit in the fight against coronavirus – stick to the rules and get to a testing station,” professor Sutton said.
“This virus is not selective, it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission.
“There is no excuse for not getting tested. We have people knocking on your door, coming to your neighbourhood – we are bringing the testing to you. There are also several drive-through and fixed sites where people can go.”
