A new case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Victoria – bringing to 11 the total number of cases.
The latest case is a doctor from Toorak in his 70s who displayed mild symptoms on a flight from the United States. He is now recovering in home isolation.
He was confirmed positive last night following a series of tests.
The doctor recently travelled to Denver and Vail (Colorado) via Los Angeles and was there for 12 days prior to illness onset.
As such, he most likely acquired his infection in the United States.
He became unwell with a runny nose on an internal flight from Denver to San Francisco on February 27 (US time) and then flew direct from San Francisco to Melbourne on flight UA0060 arriving at approximately 0930 on Saturday February 29.
The doctor, from The Toorak Clinic in Malvern Road, consulted approximately 70 patients for five days between Monday March 2 and Friday March 6.
He also attended two patients at the MECWA Malvern Centre nursing home, in Malvern Rd, Malvern, during that time.
The nursing home residents have been isolated in their rooms and the Department is working with the nursing home to provide supportive care for these residents.
The Toorak Clinic has been closed until further notice.
All patients seen by the doctor, and clinic staff, are required to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
They are presently being contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services and will be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of illness.
All other patients of the clinic are not required to home isolate.
In addition, a number of other close contacts of the doctor, including work colleagues, will be placed in self-isolation for a 14 day period.
There are no other public exposure sites for this case.
The Department is working with Federal authorities to obtain the passenger manifest from flight UA0060. Passengers on that flight will be notified as soon as their information is made available.
They can also call the Department of Health and Human Services hotline for information on COVID-19 on 1800 675 398. For more information visit visit Coronavirus disease on the DHHS website.
Background
The Victorian Government is recommending that people who have travelled to mainland China, Iran, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand and become unwell seek medical advice and be tested for COVID-19.
The current Australian Government advice is to not travel to China, Iran or South Korea.
Visitors from mainland China, South Korea and Iran who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their dependents will not be allowed entry into Australia.
Any Australian citizens or permanent residents who do return from mainland China, Iran or South Korea are required to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving those countries.
In addition, healthcare workers and residential aged care workers who have returned from Italy should not work in a healthcare facility or residential aged care facility for 14 days after returning from these countries.
Additional cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 are expected in Victoria as this illness continues to spread across the world.
Medical practitioners have been advised to consider testing anyone with compatible illness (fever or respiratory symptoms) who has recently travelled overseas, with a focus on current areas of high risk.
Before visiting your GP or emergency department you should call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Hands should be washed regularly with soap and water. Respiratory and cough etiquette should be observed at all times. If you feel sick, avoid contact with others.
Reviewed 07 March 2020