Highlights
- Sarawan Spices located in Clayton added to DHHS’s list as a high-risk location
- Confirmed positive case visited the store on September 19, Saturday
- Store deep-cleaned on Monday and is not a risk currently
The DHHS has identified Sarawan Spices as a high-risk location after a confirmed case visited the store on September 19, 2020.
"DHHS advises that if you have visited Sarawan Spices on September 19 you should watch for coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. If symptoms occur, immediately get tested and stay at home while you wait for your results," a DHHS spokesperson told SBS Hindi.
Sarawan Spices is located in the midst of the shopping strip in Clayton, home to the large Indian and sub-continental population in Melbourne.
The store and the adjoining shops and restaurants attract many shoppers, especially on weekends.
A high-risk location is where ‘there is a higher risk’ of being ‘exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19)’ according to the DHHS. They are locations within the community where exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred.
The department has also identified the nearby Coles Supermarket and Supa Wash Coin Laundrette in the area as high-risk locations.
Clayton-resident Adeep Shah, who visited Sarawan Spices and Coles on Saturday evening, got tested on Thursday after developing symptoms.
“I have a mild cold and my youngest child has a mild cough. We just got tested and are awaiting test results,” Mr Shah told SBS Hindi.
Mr Shah visited the shops on Saturday evening.
“I went around 7 pm. After reading about it and having got mild symptoms, we decided to get tested. Better safe than sorry. We are currently isolating at home till we get results,” he said.
Store deep-cleaned
Sarawan Spices carried out deep cleaning of the store on Monday, the store staff told SBS Hindi.
“The case was in our store on Saturday and we carried out deep cleaning of our store on Monday when we came to know. None of our staff members has any symptoms currently. The staff which was working on Saturday, got tested on Monday and they have tested negative,” Aparna, a staff member of Sarawan Spices told SBS Hindi.
“The store is now open and we have informed the council too,” she said.
It is important to note risk locations remain on the list for 14 days from the most recent exposure.
The locations on this list are not a current risk to the public and people can visit them in line with current restrictions.
Victoria recorded 12 new infections and two more coronavirus fatalities on Thursday.
The 14-day rolling case average for metropolitan Melbourne continues to decline, falling to 26.7 cases.
That number is well below the 30 to 50 case threshold needed to enable an easing of restrictions from next Monday.
Eight of Thursday's cases were linked to known outbreaks.
Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am. The only reasons for Melbourne residents to leave home during these hours are for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative. The full list of restrictions can be found here.
All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live. People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
