By Mitchell Clarke
A Coles employee who worked at stores in Pakenham and Drouin has tested positive to Covid-19.
In a statement, Coles said the employee from the Heritage Springs and Drouin store hadn’t been in either store since 25 July.
Contact tracing was carried out, but the Gazette understands that no other team members – from either store – were required to self isolate.
Additional deep cleans of the store were carried out as an added precaution, Coles said in a statement on Sunday 2 August.
The supermarket giant added that the risk of transmission to customers or colleagues was “very low”.
“Coles will continue to work with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to finalise contact tracing,” the statement read.
“Coles’ standard cleaning procedures comply with the Federal Government’s Covid-19 Hygiene Practices For Supermarkets.
“Consistent with prior practice developed with the Victorian Department of Health, the store can continue to trade and the risk of transmission for customers and team members is very low.”
Meanwhile, Pakenham Secondary College will be closed on Monday 3 August, following a positive case.
Principal Ray Squires said the matter had been reported to the Department of Education and Training (DET).
He added the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was currently undertaking further investigation.
“As a precautionary measure, Pakenham Secondary College will be closed for 24 hours initially, or until we receive advice it can re-open. The school will be closed to all students, staff and members of the community,” Mr Squires said.
“All students must stay at home until further advice is provided. This includes all VET and VCE students, including those who attend these classes at other sites.”
All students will return to home learning from Wednesday 5 July, as per new government restrictions.
As of Monday 3 August, the total number of active cases in Cardinia was 47, Casey; 297, Yarra Ranges; 132, Greater Dandenong; 183, Bass Coast; four, and Baw Baw Shire; four.
