A third Victorian school is shut after a student tested positive for coronavirus while authorities reassure parents it's safe for kids to go to school.
One of the nine new coronavirus cases recorded in Victoria on Tuesday is a student at Strathmore Primary School.
The school will remain closed on Tuesday while cleaning and contact tracing is underway and comes after two other schools closed on Monday.
Despite the closure of three schools in two days, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton maintains the risk for children at schools is minimal.
"When we look at the classroom context of those kids, they don't pick up illness," he told 3AW Radio.
"Clearly kids can become infected, but they seem to, you know, pick it up in settings where they've got prolonged close contacts such as from their families."
Pakenham Springs Primary School and St Dominic's Primary School in Broadmeadows were closed on Monday after two students at each school tested positive for COVID-19.
The children are part of an extended family cluster that increased by one case on Tuesday.
That cluster has grown to 12 cases after the family held gatherings across homes in Coburg, Broadmeadows and Pakenham.
Victoria's nine new cases brought the state's infection tally to 1741.
Of these, two cases were linked to a known outbreak at Monash Health.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the Monash Health outbreak had increased to six cases after a patient and health care worker recently tested positive.
The latest increase in coronavirus cases in Victoria comes less than a week before further coronavirus restrictions are set to ease.
Pubs and clubs will be able to serve drinks for up to 50 people seated without a meal from Monday, but social distancing must be adhered to and contact information provided.
Other venues such as cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums can also open with up to 50 people per space.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments.
