States react to Victoria’s latest Covid-19 outbreak

Four people, all within the same family, tested positive on Monday. Victoria’s Department of Health released a host of exposure sites overnight.

In response, Queensland Health issued a directive that anyone in the state who had been to any of the declared exposure sites during the risk period was “automatically required to quarantine”.

Chief health officer Jeannette Young urged everyone to “reconsider their need to travel to Melbourne’s northern suburbs”.

“From 1am Wednesday, if you are entering Queensland and have been to any of the Victorian exposure sites at the time specified, you will need to quarantine for 14 days in government-arranged accommodation,” Dr Young said.

“If you have been to any of these sites and are already in Queensland, you must immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.”

NSW Health is “closely monitoring” the situation in Victoria, reminding those arriving from Greater Melbourne that they must complete a declaration confirming they have not attended a venue of concern.

“NSW Health will be contacting people who have completed declarations to ask them to check the Victoria DHHS website and immediately follow the outlined health advice,” a statement read.

“People who have been in the Whittlesea Local Government Area should not visit residential aged care facilities or hospitals unless seeking medical attention.”

South Australia has enforced a cross-border direction.

As of 8.25pm on Monday, all people who have been to a tier 1 (high risk) or tier 2 (medium risk) public exposure site at the specified times are subject to level 6 restrictions and are not permitted to enter South Australia.

“The majority of these people should already be in 14 days quarantine in Victoria and are not permitted to leave quarantine to travel to South Australia,” a SA Health statement read.

Anyone who arrived in SA prior to 8.25pm on Monday and has been to tier 1 and tier 2 Victorian public exposure sites at the specified times are subject to level 4 requirements – they must reside and remain quarantined and segregated from other people at a suitable place for 14 days, must submit to a Covid-19 test within 24 hours of arrival as well on days five and 13, and must wear a face mask whenever they come in contact with the public.

Western Australia Health issued similar advice, with acting chief health officer Paul Armstrong saying anyone who has visited the exposure sites needs to get tested for Covid-19 “immediately” and quarantine for 14 days for om the date of exposure.

“All other travellers from Victoria since May 6 should remain vigilant,” Dr Armstrong said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in Victoria very closely.”