The Premier has set up an inquiry to look into the hotel quarantine program after a number of COVID-19 cases from late May and early June were linked to an infection control breach in the quarantine program.
In a statement, Premier Daniel Andrews said there had clearly been a failure in the operation of the program.
“To say I’m disappointed about what’s happened would be an understatement,” Mr Andrews said.
“I have today ordered the establishment of an inquiry, led by a former judge, into the operation of the hotel quarantine program,” he said.
“I’ve also asked the Prime Minister to divert flights to other cities for the next two weeks while we reset the program under the supervision of Corrections Victoria.”
Mr Andrews said the inquiry would report in eight to 10 weeks.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced it will implement mandatory COVID-19 testing for all returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
“Victoria is the only state that has been testing returned travellers twice – on day three and day 11 – but from today, the day 11 test will be a mandatory requirement to be eligible for release after 14 days,” the Department said.
“Those who refuse to comply with testing will be required to remain in quarantine for a further 10 days – 24 in total – to ensure they pose no risk of introducing coronavirus to the Victorian community,” it said.
