Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – 8 July 2020

For privacy reasons, and at the instruction of the infected individual, we are restricted from disclosing the name of the person who has tested positive to COVID-19, or provide details of the business they work for.
What we can tell you is that the infected individual is a fruit and vegetable buyer who visited the Melbourne Market on four separate occasions last week. CCTV and access card data shows the infected person recently attended the Market on:
– Monday 29 June, 2:40 am – 6:46 am
– Wednesday 1 July, 2:47 am – 5:40 am
– Thursday 2 July, 3:01 am – 5:34 am
– Saturday 4 July, 6:26 am – 8:03 am
It is not yet clear whether the individual was infectious during the time they spent at the Market; however, we are informed that the person did not present any COVID-19 symptoms when they were at the Market.

The DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) has advised that they are aware of the individual and the surrounding circumstances. The DHHS advised that the MMA does not need to take any further action at this point. However, as a precaution, we are undertaking a deep clean of common areas of the Market, and we have instructed other relevant businesses to conduct deep cleaning in applicable premises and areas. At the onset of this pandemic cleaning schedules at the Market were increased, we are regularly and thoroughly cleaning high-risk surfaces such as handrails, toilets and bathrooms.

Last night the MMA informed 40 Market users, that we are aware of, that they had either to come into contact with, or worked in the same space as, the infected person.  As an additional precaution, and for the safety of the Market community, the access cards of those 40 individuals were temporarily suspended. Their access cards will be reactivated as soon as they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

While it is assumed it is common sense, the MMA must make clear that if any Market user is tested for COVID-19, that person must not come to the Market to work, or to purchase fresh produce or flowers until a negative test result is confirmed.

The Melbourne Market, including the Flower Market, continues to remain open; we are essential in Victoria’s food supply chain.

Stage 3 restrictions
As announced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, as of 11.59 pm tonight, Metropolitan Melbourne will return to stage 3 lockdown restrictions.
At the Melbourne Market, this now means:
– Market cafes will return to take away service only
– The one person per electric vehicle/buggy rule will be re-introduced

Social Distancing
Community transmission of COVID-19 in Metropolitan Melbourne has seen a concerning upward trend in recent days, particularly in Melbourne’s West and North. Many in the fresh produce and flower industry are interacting with the public each day, and are on the front line of this pandemic. The importance of adhering to social distancing rules has never been more critical, especially considering that the individual who tested positive to COVID-19 did not show any symptoms.
While at the Market:

• You must not shake hands or hug others.
• You must remain 1.5 metres from other people wherever possible.
• You must regularly wash and sanitise your hands.

It’s up to all of us to ensure these practices are being followed, so if you see someone disregarding social distancing rules, call them out.
For the sake of everyone’s health and livelihoods, we must all be in this together.

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.