Tara Murray
The Department of Health is investigating a possible case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Brimbank.
In the department’s daily release, it said there was two possible cases of the variant in the community.
“The Department of Health is leading a strong outbreak response into the following likely Omicron cases recently detected in the community,” the release said.
“Two cases have returned results with S gene dropout – a signature of the Omicron variant.
“Cases have been identified in the cities of Casey and Brimbank. Household contacts of these cases have also tested positive and whole genome sequencing is underway to confirm whether these represent the Omicron variant.
“None of these cases are linked to international travel and their source of acquisition is under investigation.”
The department has interviewed the cases and is taking a conservative approach to the designation of their contacts, including in non-household settings.
A number of contacts have been identified and instructed to quarantine for 14 days.
Other people of lower risk have been instructed to get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. Further contact tracing work is ongoing and is likely to produce more contacts.
