Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – 27 July 2020

Mask use and temperature screening
The MMA would like to thank all those Market users who are wearing face masks and socially distancing; the Market community is working together in everyone’s best interests, well done.There are a few points to reiterate regarding mask use and temperature screening.

– Only those people who have a lawful excuse, that the MMA have been notified of, are not required to wear a face covering. The MMA is aware of a very limited number of our community who have medical reasons as to why they are unable to comply with the law to wear a mask.

– The MMA operations team are monitoring behaviours relating to face mask use and social distancing; they are enforcing rules and issuing warnings and penalties where appropriate.

– For Market users that are at a high risk of possible complications from COVID, or for those unable to wear a face mask, they may consider alternative work arrangements during this time, such as working from home if possible.

– Temperature screening will continue to be conducted at Gate 1 entry for the foreseeable future for all persons entering the Market. Temperature screening will only be undertaken as per the manufacturer’s instructions, which includes, forehead, behind the ear, or under the armpit.

Your responsibility
Face masks are a useful tool in helping stop the spread of the virus, but they only work if worn correctly. Make sure your mask is well fitted to your face, covering your nose and mouth.
MRO’s can’t be everywhere, so if you see someone wearing a face mask with their nose hanging out, or pulled down under their chin, remind them how a face mask should be worn. We all have a part to play during this crisis; if we are working together and doing the right things, the risk of a potential outbreak at the Melbourne Market will be significantly reduced.

Market inspections
The Melbourne Market is a high profile facility that plays a crucial role in the supply chain. As such, both Victoria Police and WorkSafe Victoria have advised the MMA that random inspections of the Market are to be expected over the coming weeks. These inspections are to ensure adherence to social distancing and face mask regulations. Victoria Police and WorkSafe Victoria have advised they will issue fines to those not following COVID restrictions.

Follow up after positive COVID cases
As everyone is aware, in recent weeks, there have been two cases of infected COVID persons attending the Melbourne Market.

These two cases were unrelated to one another, and both contracted the virus from outside the Market. Upon learning of each positive case, the MMA reviewed CCTV footage and temporarily suspended access cards of those who may have had contact with the infected individuals to reduce the risk of an outbreak in the Market. Those who were identified as possibly having contact with the infected individuals were all required to undertake COVID tests, and so far, all have returned negative results and have had their cards reactivated. At this stage, there has been no known transmission of COVID from the two infected individuals to any other Market users.

Reporting COVID cases
Our most important priority is keeping the Market open and operational throughout this pandemic, and all actions the MMA take are to help ensure this happens.

It is critical that if you or someone in your business tests positive to COVID, you inform the MMA immediately. Early reporting will allow us to take appropriate actions to combat any spread of COVID-19, you must inform us if you or someone in your business has either:

– Been diagnosed with COVID-19
– Determined by the DHHS as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case and awaiting test results

Notifying the MMA in these instances allows us to implement measures such as sanitising cleans to relevant areas and notifying appropriate people and businesses. Please call the 24-hour security number on 0408 334 555, if either scenario applies to you at any stage.

Questions
A summary of previous COVID-19 updates and operational changes are kept on our website, click here to access.

If you have any further questions, you can call the 24-hour security number, 0408 334 555.