As it happened: Victoria records 627 new COVID-19 cases, eight deaths as aged care crisis continues; QLD border to close to Greater Sydney as Australian death toll jumps to 196

KFC has confirmed reports tonight that it is suffering a dire shortage of chicken, with some stores set to close this weekend.

It comes after one of KFC's suppliers, Golden Farms chicken abbatoir near Geelong, is dealing with a sizeable coronavirus outbreak.

There are now 13 cases now linked to the chicken processing facility.

"Our chicken supply has been disrupted in Victoria this week and some of our restaurants will only be open for limited hours or may have to close this weekend," said a KFC spokesperson.

"We’re sorry for any issues this causes our customers – we’re doing everything we can to help our suppliers get back on track."

The meatworks at the centre of the state's most serious first wave COVID-19 outbreak, Cedar Meats abattoir in Brooklyn in Melbourne's west, has today been advised a staff member has tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement issued by the company on Friday night, management said the staff member last worked on July 22.

"We have followed DHHS' advice and had all close contacts of that staff memeber tested on site today at our premises in Brooklyn," the statement reads.

"We have asked all our staff to isolate until further notice, as per government guidelines.

"Our main priority is our staff's health and wellbeing."

The AFL announced on Friday that the annual Dreamtime match between Essendon and Richmond will be played in Darwin on Saturday August 22 as the main drawcard for the annual Sir Doug Nicholls round.

But late on Friday doubts suddenly emerged about the match going ahead in the Top End after the Northern Territory government declared three areas in Queensland were coronavirus hotspot areas for people wishing to travel to the territory.

One of those areas is the City of Brisbane. Both Essendon and Richmond play their round 12 matches at the Gabba in the week before they are scheduled to travel to Darwin.

The round 13 Bombers-Tigers match is scheduled to be played at night at TIO Stadium, as The Age first reported earlier this month, and has been labelled the Dreamtime in Darwin game.

[Read more here]

Grocery chain Harris Farm Markets has announced that a confirmed case of COVID-19 visited their Leichhardt store over the weekend.

The person visited the store between 3pm and 3.30pm on Sunday July 26. Anyone who visited during that time and feels unwell or shows symptoms is advised to get tested.

"NSW Health has confirmed the risk of infection to customers and our team is low due to the nature of the customer’s visit," a statement from Harris Farm’s Co-CEOs Tristan, Luke, and Angus Harris read.

"We have also undertaken a deep clean of the store for additional peace of mind.

"Customers and team members should be assured they can continue to safely shop and work at our Leichhardt market."

The three brothers are now in charge of the company, which boasts 26 locations across New South Wales. The first store was opened in Villawood by their parents, David and Cathy Harris, in 1971.

Barwon Health has confirmed what is Geelong first coronavirus-related death.

A spokeswoman this evening confirmed a person died receiving palliative care overnight Thursday, but did not reveal their age or gender.

"This is a difficult time for friends and families and we express our condolences to everyone impacted by this situation," she said.

For the first time in over three months, all but two of Australia's states and territories have recorded new COVID-19 infections.

A great Aussie Twitter account that collates daily national data snapshots has pointed out the factoid.