Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – Wednesday 1 April 2020

A few hours ago, the Melbourne Market Authority was informed that an individual who attended the Melbourne Market last week, has today tested positive to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The individual who tested positive is currently being treated in hospital, and we wish them a speedy recovery.

For privacy reasons, we are restricted from disclosing the name of the individual who has tested positive to COVID-19, or provide details of the business they work for.

What we can tell you is that the infected individual is a fruit and vegetable buyer who spent very little time at the Melbourne Market last week. Access card data indicates that on Monday 23 March they were on site for approximately 1 hour, entering at 5:21 am and exiting at 6:16 am. They attended again the next day, on Tuesday 24 March for 1 hour between 5:28 am, and 6:30 am. Their access card was not used to enter the Market again after 24 March.

As previously communicated, cleaning schedules at the Market were increased several weeks ago. We are regularly and thoroughly cleaning high-risk surfaces such as handrails, toilets and bathrooms, to help ensure that if a COVID-19 infected person enters the Market, any potential spread of the virus is minimised.

The Melbourne Market continues to remain open; we are essential in the food supply chain.

Temperature testing before entry begins tomorrow afternoon for all Market users.  In light of this positive test result, we need to re-emphasis the absolute importance of practising social distancing. You must keep 1.5 metres from other Market users wherever possible and wash your hands regularly. If you are feeling unwell in any way, you must not attend the Market for work or to purchase produce or flowers.

While we all have our own priorities for our families and businesses during this time, we are also a joint Market community, and we need to work together to confront this crisis. Be considerate to your fellow Market user, remain patient in these challenging times and look out for one another.

Again, we send our very best wishes to our fellow Market user and hope for a speedy recovery.