Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre is in lockdown after a worker tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend.
The Midland Express understands the worker was an education coordinator who assisted young people with education plans in a one-on-one capacity as transition to or from the centre.
The worker, employed by the Department of Education, is believed to have had some contact with people on site who are taking precautions. The facility is expected to remain in lockdown while health authorities carry out contact tracing.
A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said they were working with the Department of Health and Human Services to minimise potential risks to young people and staff.
“Youth Justice expects the highest standards of conduct in line with health advice from all education staff visiting our facilities, including the practice of physical distancing,” they said.
“Deep cleaning has been completed and contract tracing is underway in line with the Youth Justice coronavirus Management Plan, and we will continue to monitor the health of the centre and provide support to young people and staff.
“Youth Justice has implemented a range of measures in response to the coronavirus, including screening questions, temperature testing for visitors, staff and young people, quarantine measures, and testing as required in accordance with health advice.”
Macedon Ranges had four active coronavirus cases at the time of going to press on Monday morning. Two Coles Woodend workers have been self-isolating since July 8 after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Malmsbury YJC case was reported as Victoria recorded 363 new cases of coronavirus and three more related deaths on Sunday, prompting Premier Daniel Andrews to announce face masks as mandatory for the worst hit areas.
Mr Andrews said masks must be worn by all residents in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11.59pm on Wednesday, with fines of $200 for those who didn’t comply.
“I understand this is a big shift…but this virus is incredibly infectious – and this is about keeping people safe,” Mr Andrews said.
Face coverings in regional Victoria continue to be recommended in situations where maintaining 1.5 metres distance is not possible – however regional Victorians must wear a mask when visiting metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire for one of the permitted reasons.
Mr Andrews said the majority of new outbreaks were coming from settings where people were working closely together and launched an inspection and enforcement blitz in workplaces across the state.
WorkSafe, Emergency Management Victoria and Victoria Police will focus on at-risk workplaces in the blitz, including distribution centres, call centres and meat processing centres.
As the risk of transmission in aged care and healthcare settings remains high, from July 22, visitation will be restricted to those defined as carers only, with a limit of one hour per day. A range of other measures have also been implemented across this sector.
The State of Emergency will be extended until 11.59pm on August 16.
