Overseas traveller who arrived in Melbourne on Monday is suffering from Covid symptoms as Western Australian reopens its borders to Victoria
An overseas traveller who arrived in Melbourne on Monday is suffering symptoms of COVID-19 and could possibly put an end to Victoria’s 38 days of no cases.
Victoria started to accept international arrivals again from Monday after Premier Daniel Andrews diverted all overseas flights from Melbourne on June 30 when the state was hit by a deadly second wave of coronavirus.
Of the 253 people who arrived on Monday, one traveller had COVID-19 symptoms and was immediately taken to a ‘hot hotel’.
Sloppy quarantine by private security guards sparked Melbourne’s horror second wave, with 90 per cent of all infections traced back to one family of four who isolated at the Rydges on Swanston hotel.
ADF troops from Townsville’s 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, touched down in Melbourne on Friday to support Victoria Police with hotel quarantine
The state will take no chances this time around, with both the police and the army involved in the rebooted program.
About 150 Australian Defence Force troops will participate in the revamped program with 110 in Melbourne for quarantine compliance management with another 33 in liaison staff roles, the ADF says on its website.
A Defence Force spokesperson said 75 members of Army’s 3rd Brigade flew from Townsville to Melbourne on Friday.
A further 35 members from RAAF East Sale have also been deployed.
The Victorian Government said the military will not be authorised as law enforcement officers, and will not take part in security work or floor monitoring.
Passengers arrive at Sydney Airport from New Zealand in September. Travellers to Melbourne will soon be charged $3000 per adult for a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine room
Police Minister Lisa Neville has taken full responsibility for the new program.
‘I am confident we have the best system we can, the most robust system we can, to minimise the risk of any significant outbreaks of this virus,’ Ms Neville said on Monday.
‘We have the best standards in the country, to give the best assurance and best protections for Victoria. We have robust systems in the hotels with the staff to minimise the risk and a strong contact tracing system that will immediately get in action.
‘I take responsibility for this program. I see it as a challenge.’
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