Victoria records another coronavirus 'donut day' after false positive result rejected

Victoria's coronavirus tally for Saturday is back at zero, after a false positive result was rejected.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Friday, October 30, 2020.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Friday, October 30, 2020. Source: AAP

A single new coronavirus case recorded in Victoria has been reviewed and rejected.

"So that's a donut day," the state's chief health officer Brett Sutton tweeted on Saturday afternoon.

Other social media users also marked the moment by posting a photo of how best to celebrate another day of zero new coronavirus cases - a milestone which was first achieved on Monday.
Earlier during a press conference, Dr Sutton flagged that the case recorded from a hospital patient could be a "false positive" and that an expert panel was reviewing it.

The state has 70 active cases of the virus and attention is focusing on business returning to normal.

Some Melbourne office workers could be back in place before Christmas as Victoria's COVID-19 numbers remain low.

"If we can see that these chains of transmission are in check, then there is a reasonable chance - a slow and steady - gradual return to the workplace," Professor Sutton said.
Workers would not be able to be "packed into offices" and there were some concerning elements, including public transport and elevator use, that needed to be considered, he added.

"If the numbers remain low then those risks become much less in the office space as well," Prof Sutton said.

"Some (workers) can and should return, but always depending on the numbers.

Clearly there's an economic activity by virtue of return-to-work, especially here in the CBD, and that should be a consideration."

For some Victorians, "it will be a changed workforce forever", the expert noted, adding that many employers had already started making long-term arrangements.



"For people who are comfortable and happy and can be supported to work from home, that's not an unreasonable thing to embed ongoing."

Saturday's health department figures included the single "low positive" case.

"They are in a specialist ward. It's fair to say they weren't admitted for suspected COVID but they've had testing because of those compatible symptoms," Prof Sutton said.

Melbourne has reported a daily case average of 2.4 for the fortnight up to Friday.

Authorities continue to investigate two mystery cases, for which there is no known source.

The weekend delivered eased social restrictions for Melburnians, including that families can visit each other at home, but only one household can visit another household per day.
The 25km travel limit remains in place and outdoor gatherings are still capped at 10 people, though there is no limit on the number of households involved.

At Treasury Gardens in central Melbourne scores of police formed a ring in response to a small gathering of protesters believed to be objecting to mandatory mask-wearing.

Footage from the scene shows at least one man being arrested.

Health Minister Martin Foley issued a brief response.

"At the moment protests that spread the risk of the virus are not safe."


Victoria's COVID-19 death toll stands at 819 and the national figure is 907.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction'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.

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, VictoriaQueenslandWestern AustraliaSouth AustraliaNorthern TerritoryACTTasmania.



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Source: AAP, SBS


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Victoria records another coronavirus 'donut day' after false positive result rejected | SBS News