We have listed the latest tier 1 sites below, and you can check all the locations on the government’s website. tier 1 means you must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure date.

Soft drink manufacturer Slades Beverages in Thomastown has six days of potential exposure.

Thomastown
Slades Beverages 46/40-50 Keon Parade, Thomastown
Monday, May 17, 6am-2.30pm
Tuesday, May 18, 6am-3pm
Thursday, May 20, 6am-3pm
Wednesday, May 26, 6am-3pm
Thursday, May 27, 6am-2.30pm
Friday May 28, 6am-2.30pm

Mickleham
Metricon Homes - Merrifield Display Homes, 22 Callantina Road
Tuesday, May 25, 3.29pm-4.47pm.

Mickleham
Metricon Homes - Botanical Display Homes 27/29 Poppy Street
Tuesday, May 25, 2.32pm-3.22pm

Campbellfield
Metricon Homes - Campbellfield Office,108 National Boulevard
Tuesday, May 25, 1.33pm-2.36pm

Bundoora
Uni Hill Town Centre - 5 Janefield Drive
Tuesday, May 25, 2.47pm-4.07pm

Bundoora
Agora IGA Express - La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Shop 1, Agora East
Tuesday, May 25, 11.20am-12.15pm Case attended

Preston
H&M Northland Shopping Centre - 2-50 Murray Road
Saturday, May 22, 2.30pm-3.30pm

Kalkallo
Metricon Homes Kalkallo - Cloverton Display Homes 24 Design Way
Saturday, May 22, 1.15pm-3.15pm (Previous exposure also listed for May 26)

4.18pm on May 30, 2021

Victoria records highest Saturday vaccination total

By Craig Butt

A total of 27,448 vaccine doses were administered in Victoria yesterday, making up about 45 per cent of all vaccine doses administered nationwide.

While this amount is far fewer than the record 43,458 vaccine doses administered statewide on Friday, it is a record tally for a weekend, when there tend to be fewer vaccinations carried out than on weekdays:

For example, on Saturday, May 22, there were 9175 vaccine doses administered statewide - a third as many vaccinations as yesterday.

You can check out the daily vaccination progress of your state or territory using the interactive table below.

By default it shows a progress bar, but click one of the arrows for each state/territory and it will extend out into a graph.

To bring up the daily totals, click the ‘daily’ button.

Some states, such as Queensland, show a single-day surge on April 18 that exceeds any day since - this is because of delayed dose data being added to the state’s tally, not because there was a stampede to get vaccinated on that day.

Check out our detailed vaccine data tracker here.

4.08pm on May 30, 2021

New additions to the exposure site list

By Simone Fox Koob

A number of new exposure sites have been added to the official list today, taking the total number of locations to 189. Here are the latest additions. The full list can be found here.

Tier 1 sites (if you have been to any of the following in the specified times you must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure):

Enchanted Adventure Garden, Arthurs Seat on Friday, May 21 between 11.25am and 3pm
Uni Hill Town Centre, Bundoora on Tuesday, May 25 between 2.47pm and 4.07pm
Agora IGA Express (La Trobe University), Bundoora on Tuesday, May 25 between 11.20am and 12.15pm
PTV Bus Number 525 between Highland SC/Grand Bvd to Donnybrook Rd/Dwyer Street, Craigieburn on Wednesday, May 19 bewteen 3.15pm and 4.45pm and Tuesday, May 25 between 3.15pm and 4.45pm.
Coles Epping Plaza on Wednesday, May 19 between 3pm and 3.48pm.
Short Straw, Hawthorn on Sunday, May 23 between 10.50am and 2.20pm.
Metricon Homes Kalkallo - Colverton Display Homes on Wednesday, May 26 between 2.25pm and 5.28pm.
La Trobe University library Level 1, Bundoora on Tuesday, May 25 between 11.45 and 2.30pm.

Tier 2 sites (if you have been to any of the following in the specified times you must get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result):

Ambarsari Dhaba, Craigieburn on Wednesday, May 26 between 7.20pm and 8pm.
Laurimar Medical Centre, Doreen on Tuesday, May 25 between 10.15amd and 11.10am.
Kmart Epping on Sunday, May 16 between 2.15pm and 3.05pm; Saturday, May22 between 4.40pm and 5.30pm; Wednesday, May 26 between 3.20pm and 4.10pm.
Coles Epping Plaza on Monday, May 24 between 3.15pm and 4pm;
Shell Coles Express Braeside on Saturday, May 22 between 8.15am and 9am.
La Trobe University library all levels (except level 1 which is in Tier 1 category), Bundoora on Tuesday, May 25 between 11.45 and 2.30pm.

3.58pm on May 30, 2021

PM says state governments ‘took on responsibilities’ by deciding to lockdown

By Rob Harris

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, arriving in Queenstown for bilateral meetings with New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern, said his thoughts were with all Victorians.

He said it was a challenge they would overcome just as other states had with previous lockdowns, and he hoped the state could “open up as soon as possible”.

In his first response to strong criticism from Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino, the Prime Minister said the federal government would be supporting the state in the same way it had other states during recent short lockdowns.

“The Commonwealth government has put $45 billion directly into Victoria to support and we will continue to support Victoria through the pandemic leave payment, through emergency cash assistance, through the social security system, supported by JobSeeker,” he said.

“I mean that is every day’s work for the Commonwealth government to support people going through hardship.

“I note that the Queensland government and the rest of Australian governments when they were in similar circumstances, took on those responsibilities having decided to go into those lockdowns. I commend them for that.

“We will continue to support Victoria to get Victoria open. To ensure Victoria doesn’t close itself again. That’s where I am quite sure people across Victoria want us to focus.”

3.54pm on May 30, 2021

Opinion: It is a race - and the vaccine rollout is crucial

By Jeremy Howard and Nick Talley

If Australians don’t get vaccinated soon, then we may succumb to a massive wave of COVID-19 we won’t be able to stop. That’s because the new COVID-19 variant that first appeared in India, B.1.617.2, is so transmissible that lockdowns and masks may not be enough to stop the spread. Regions like Taiwan which previously had the virus under control are now losing the battle.

Those claiming the vaccination program is “not a race” fail to understand the urgency of beating the virus. Apathy can kill Australians, and jobs.

New research shows that COVID is even more deadly than previously thought, with latest estimates showing nearly a million deaths in the US and possibly more in India.

Click here to read the story.

3.43pm on May 30, 2021

Frydenberg points to past support as Victorian government asks for more

By David Crowe

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has responded to a blistering attack from the Victorian government over the state lockdown by pointing to $45 billion in federal support to argue against the need for additional help.

Taking to Facebook to defend his position, Mr Frydenberg said the economic support delivered to Victoria was already about three times the spending by the state government, and he argued that the national economy would be better off if states avoided more lockdowns.

“Over $45 billion has already flowed to Victorian families and businesses during COVID, with more direct federal economic support per capita going to Victoria than to any other state,” he wrote.

The post came after Acting Premier James Merlino and Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas accused the federal government of a “disgraceful” decision to refuse repeated pleas for additional help over the past few days.

Mr Frydenberg said Victorians were eligible for paid pandemic leave, which is a $1,500 payment for workers who get COVID-19 or have to isolate, but this does not help those who lose work when their employers shut down.

“The economic impact of the Victorian outbreak is not insignificant but the budget just over two weeks ago did anticipate further outbreaks would occur,” he wrote.

“Our budget measures were calibrated accordingly, with the budget providing an additional $41 billion of COVID related economic support.

“Should extended lockdowns be avoided and outbreaks contained the national economy can continue its strong recovery.”

3.39pm on May 30, 2021

Arcare Maidstone to keep testing staff, residents in case more positive cases emerge

By Simone Fox Koob

The Melbourne aged care facility where a worker tested positive for coronavirus is testing all staff and residents on Sunday and will test them again on Tuesday.

Chief executive officer at Arcare, Colin Singh, has been providing regular updates to resident’s families on Sunday.

Arcare aged care facility in Maidstone.Scott McNaughton

He reassured them in an update posted in the afternoon that the facility would let them know if any more positive cases had been identified.

“We know this is an anxious time, but we ask that you please do not call asking for the results. We will ring family members immediately when there is a clinical change or positive result for COVID-19,” he said.

He also said that staff members and residents will be offered the Pfizer dose on Monday.

“The Department of Health is strongly encouraging the uptake of this vaccine,” he said.

“We understand the wish to visit loved ones in person but please keep in mind we are bound by Melbourne’s stage four restrictions. We will do everything possible to support clients’ health, emotional and social needs throughout this challenging time.”

3.29pm on May 30, 2021

Tarmac rally estimates $100,000 loss in revenue due to lockdown

By Sumeyya Ilanbey

Australian Tarmac Rally director Brittany Smith says her business has lost more than $100,000 in revenue this weekend by the government’s decision to impose a statewide lockdown.

Ms Smith and her colleague had organised a two-day rally at Lakes Entrance for this weekend, with more than 300 people set to attend.

This is the second time she has had to cancel an event at short notice - the first was in February when the state entered into a snap five-day lockdown, in which Ms Smith said she lost about $60,000.

“[Today’s business support package] is a bit too late,” she said.

“We’ll take what we can get, but the future of our business is now uncertain and we can’t grow it with confidence ... it’s heart-wrenching for us, we’re trying to get the confidence back up.”

Opposition leader Michael O’Brien, who was with Ms Smith, slammed Treasurer Tim Pallas and acting Premier James Merlino for “playing politics and passing responsibility” instead of focusing on the welfare of Victorians.

“This is a government that has caused the fourth lockdown through poor QR codes and contact tracing that had holes in it,” Mr O’Brien said.

“For them to try and put the blame on everyone but themselves just shows this is all politics for Labor - it’s not about getting Victoria back open and back to work.

“Victorians need a government prepared to work with other governments, not throw verbal hand grenades.”

Mr O’Brien also described the business support package as “disappointing” because many businesses were set to miss out on the grants.

“Even on the government’s own figures, more than four in five businesses will get nothing out of this package - that’s not good enough,” he said.

“This government should have been a lot more generous and need to get [the money] back to people sooner.”

3.10pm on May 30, 2021

About 15 per cent of Victorian aged care residents opted out of vaccine

By Simone Fox Koob

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says about 15 per cent of aged care residents in Victoria haven’t been vaccinated because they or their families haven’t consented to receive the jab.

“We have seen 85 per cent of residents in residential aged care facilities ... vaccinated so far but we want to see as many of those residents who have not chosen to be vaccinated, or their families where they are providing their consent, to consider the absolute importance of vaccination. It can save your life. It can save the life of mum or of dad or of grandma or grandpa,” he said.

He said 99 per cent of facilities nationally have been visited by vaccine clinics with the final facilities to be done in coming days.

Mr Hunt confirmed that 15 per cent of residents in Victorian aged care homes who haven’t been vaccinated are people who have not consented.

“We would very strongly, very strongly encourage the residents or their families who are making the decisions or guardians making decisions on their behalf, to provide that consent and we will ensurethat they are vaccinated at the earliest possible time,” he said.

3.01pm on May 30, 2021

Business groups back Pallas’ call for Federal government to pay workers

By Sumeyya Ilanbey and Rachel Eddie

Victoria’s business groups have backed Treasurer Tim Pallas’ call for the federal government to stump up wage subsidies for employees impacted by the state’s seven-day lockdown.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra and Ai Group Victorian head Tim Piper have demanded the Commonwealth to work with the state government to support workers who are enduring their first lockdown without JobKeeper.

“[The state government’s announcement] doesn’t cover wages - it’ll cover in some cases some of the rent and in some cases it’ll cover some of the perishables,” Mr Guerra said.

“It’s better than nothing but it’s certainly not going to cover all the costs that a business has, and it’s certainly not going to replace the revenue, which is why we want to see the federal government come together with the state government to provide support for workers.

“It’s not the workers’, it’s not the businesses fault that we find ourselves back in lockdown. We’re at the end of the queue here, and we want to make sure that everybody gets through … There are opportunities up north, and if [workers] leave Victoria, our ability to bounce back is going to be highly compromised.”

Mr Pallas and acting Premier James Merlino savaged the Commonwealth on Sunday morning for refusing to provide wage subsidies to workers - especially casual employees - who face at least a week of uncertainty because of the Victorian government’s decision to plunge the state into a lockdown.

Mr Piper urged the state government to reflect on its decision to impose higher taxes for some businesses in this year’s budget in the wake of the latest coronavirus outbreak and the impact of the lockdown.

Michelle O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, welcomed the support for business and urged the Morrison government to revive its JobKeeper scheme which she said should be expanded to support all affected workers.

“Workers in Victoria, more than half a million of them in casual and insecure work, are facing a week of not knowing whether they’ve got a job and whether they’ve got an income,” Ms O’Neil said.

“We welcome the fact that the Victorian Government has put in place a grant program for businesses that are doing it tough, but that does not replace a wage subsidy. The federal government needs to step up.”

Ms O’Neil, who wanted to see the JobSeeker payment should also be bolstered to support those forced out of work, said the government should never have ended JobKeeper before the population was widely vaccinated and quarantine leaks occurred.

As it happens: Victoria COVID: Victoria records five new local cases for Saturday, aged care worker tests positive; vaccine and testing sites under pressure

Key Posts

Soft drink manufacturer among latest exposure sites, now 210

Victoria records highest Saturday vaccination total

New additions to the exposure site list

PM says state governments ‘took on responsibilities’ by deciding to lockdown

Opinion: It is a race - and the vaccine rollout is crucial

Frydenberg points to past support as Victorian government asks for more

Arcare Maidstone to keep testing staff, residents in case more positive cases emerge

Tarmac rally estimates $100,000 loss in revenue due to lockdown

About 15 per cent of Victorian aged care residents opted out of vaccine

Business groups back Pallas’ call for Federal government to pay workers

Our Sites

Classifieds

The Sydney Morning Herald

Products & Services