By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Noble Park fire station has temporarily closed after a CFA volunteer working in tennis hotel quarantine tested positive.
The 26-year-old had tested negative after his last shift on “hallway duty” as a Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) employee at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 29 January, according to health authorities.
The next day, he attended a CFA social function at Club Noble between 2.36pm-3.30pm.
The man later developed symptoms and returned a positive test on 3 February.
“In order to avoid all risk, all identified contacts of a confirmed case from Noble Park Fire Brigade are being isolated and tested and buildings are being cleaned,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“Alternative arrangements have been made between neighbouring brigades to ensure community safety and emergency response is not compromised.”
Warrandyte, Wallan and Kilmore fire stations, and District headquarter offices in Seymour, Dandenong and Shepparton were also closed for deep cleaning “as a precaution”.
Other brigades in District 8 in Melbourne’s South East were restricted to essential activities only.
Club Noble is listed as a Tier 1 exposure site between those times, among at least 13 other venues visited by the man in Keysborough, Brighton, Brandon Park, Springvale, Moorabbin, Clayton South, Melbourne and Heatherton between 29 January-1 February.
The latest Tier 1 exposure sites are listed at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19
Health authorities have urged people attending the exposure sites at those times to isolate immediately, get tested for Covid-19 and remain self-isolated for 14 days.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the man’s testing showed a probable “high viral load”.
“For his very close contacts there is a risk that they could potentially become cases.”
The man is isolated in a health hotel. His work colleagues and household members are being tested and isolated.
Meanwhile, as of 4 February, long waiting times are being recorded at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough (180 minutes) and Monash Health, Cleeland Street, Dandenong (180 minutes).
An extra testing site is expected to open in Noble Park today (4 February).
Covid testing site details and waiting times are at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
