Second person tests positive for COVID-19 after attending Melbourne Black Lives Matter protest

Victorian health officials say it's unlikely a protester who tested positive for coronavirus would have transmitted it to others at the Black Lives Matter rally.

Protesters during the Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne on 6 June.

Protesters during the Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne on 6 June. Source: AAP

A second person who attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne is among 12 new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria.

On Monday, the state's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the new case from the protest was unrelated .

Mr Sutton said the woman was wearing personal protective equipment at the demonstration and had since been "minimally symptomatic".

He said it was unlikely she had either acquired the virus at the protest or transmitted it to others there.
Protesters are seen during a Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne on 6 June.
Protesters are seen during a Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne on 6 June. Source: AAP
Earlier Monday, Melbourne's Pakenham Springs Primary School closed after two students from the same family were diagnosed with COVID-19.

The shut down will last at least one day while cleaning and contact tracing are carried out.

Investigations are underway to identify whether any staff or students must self-isolate, the education department said.

"We wish the students a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to school once they've recovered," a department spokeswoman said in a statement.
Meanwhile, restrictions in Victoria will wind back again in a week with cinemas and theatres to reopen among the changes.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to increase their capacity from 20-to-50 patrons from 11:59pm on Sunday.

Patrons will be able to order a drink without buying a meal, but they will need to be served at a table, rather than the bar.
Non-contact sport will return for all age groups from next Monday, as will skiing, with the season to start from that date.

About 600,000 Victorians have been tested for the virus.
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. News and information is available in 63 languages at .


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Published 15 June 2020 10:28am
Updated 15 June 2020 1:23pm



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