The chances of regional Victoria getting out of the state's lockdown early are slipping away, as health authorities work to contain outbreaks outside of Melbourne.
Key points:
- Several new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in regional Victoria
- Five teachers from Bacchus Marsh Grammar School are infected
- A directive has been issued for anyone associated with Ballarat Clarendon College to isolate
Bacchus Marsh Grammar school says it now has five teachers infected with the virus.
The first attended a staff day at the school on Monday and the other four have since contracted the virus, potentially exposing thousands of students who are now isolating at home and awaiting further health advice.
The ABC understands two of the positive cases were discovered after the daily case numbers were revealed from Victoria's Health Department, and were not included in Friday's tally.
Another person has tested positive at Cowes, south-east of Melbourne.
Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said parts of regional Victoria could be "released" sooner than Tuesday night "if it is safe to do so", but these new cases could make this unlikely.
Ballarat Clarendon College has also confirmed a family member of secondary students at its school had tested positive to Covid.
It is unclear whether the case is included in those already announced by the Department on Friday.
A letter from the Principal, David Shepherd, confirmed the school was informed about the case this morning and that the family member had students in Years 10 and 12 at the school.
'Stop and stay'
Grampians Public Health unit clinical director Rosemary Aldrich issued a 'stop and stay' directive to Ballarat Clarendon College.
This means any student, staff member, worker or visitor who attended the Clarendon campus from Tuesday July 13 to Friday July 16 needs to isolate at home until further notice.
Professor Aldrich ordered anyone associated with the school or affected household to quarantine for 48 hours.
"Leave home only to get a test for COVID-19 symptoms," the directive said.
"Your actions will help keep the school community, friends, extended family and wider community safe."
Bowling alley, mini golf exposure sites
Meanwhile on the popular tourist region of Phillip Island, Bass Coast Health confirmed a person tested positive to the virus this morning.
Five tier one exposure sites have now been listed by the Victorian Health Department.
The sites are: Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling centre (between 1.15pm — 3.45pm), the San Remo Fishermans Co-op (between 6.15pm — 7.21pm), and Grumpys Crazy Golf at Cowes (11:00am — 12:45pm) on Wednesday. Also listed as tier one exposure sites are Coles Cowes (4.30pm — 5.30pm) on Monday and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (11:10am — 1:17pm) on Tuesday.
Anyone who was at those venues during the times listed must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days.
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