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Paramedics test positive for coronavirus

Two Victorian paramedics tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.

The paramedics are now in isolation and contact tracing is being undertaken, Ambulance Victoria confirmed.

The state confirmed a record number of new infections on Tuesday, adding 191 to its total of more than 700 active cases.

Pictured are two ambulances in a garage. Source: AAP
The paramedics are now in isolation and contact tracing is being undertaken, according to Ambulance Victoria. Source: AAP

Ambulance Victoria’s CEO Tony Walker said paramedics at all times wear Personal Protective Equipment to protect patients and themselves.

“We take every precaution to minimise the rate of infection amongst our frontline workforce and we remind the community of their vital role in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“This means staying at home, getting tested if you’re unwell, washing your hands, and if you must go out, keeping a safe 1.5m distance from others.

“We are all in this together, and I ask all Victorians to stay united in our efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

Four paramedics have tested positive since the pandemic began in late January.

Victoria’s surge in coronavirus cases led Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to re-introduce level three restrictions in Melbourne’s metropolitan and Mitchell Shire areas north of the CBD.

From midnight on Wednesday, metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to level three restrictions for six weeks.

Mr Andrews added it included the Mornington Peninsula but not Geelong.

Victoria recorded two new coronavirus deaths on Monday, a man in his 90s and another in his 60s.

Out of the 127 new cases confirmed on the same day include a healthcare worker at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, as well as a healthcare worker at Alfred Hospital.

Two cases were linked to abattoirs and a staffer at a Woolworth’s fulfilment centre also tested positive for coronavirus.

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