Coronavirus child scare after outbreak in Sydney and Melbourne childcare centres
Dozens of children may be at risk of contracting the coronavirus after there was an outbreak at two childcare centres in Sydney and Melbourne.
A four-year-old girl who was attending the Bright Minds Academy in Cranebrook, spent two days at the Sydney west school while infected.
Another two children at the Learning Sanctuary Yarraville, is presumed to have the coronavirus, however results are pending.
Before the staff were made aware at the Melbourne child learning centre of the infected child, an email had been sent out to parents and other staff members advising them to get tested if they show any symptoms of the virus, including fever or coughing.
Both of the facilities have been closed and will undergo extensive cleaning.
Contact tracing is also underway by health authorities.
Victorian cases rose by three on Wednesday, hitting 1354 confirmed cases.
However only 67 remain active while 1287 people have recovered so far.
In NSW, 3016 people have contracted the virus, and 11 people were diagnosed in Wednesday.
Some 136 cases are being treated by NSW Health, including 17 people in intensive care, with 14 requiring ventilators.
NSW’s death toll sits at 42.
A statement from the Yarraville Learning Sanctuary reads:
"The Learning Sanctuary Yarraville (the Centre) has been notified by the Victorian Public Health Unit (Public Health Unit) of a presumed diagnosis for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for two children from the same family at the Centre. The individuals have been tested and are awaiting their test results. They have not attended the Centre since late last week.
"The Public Health Unit has advised, as a precautionary measure, that the Centre remain closed until a definitive result is received. The Centre will be undergoing a professional-grade hygienic clean during this period.
"While there is currently no requirement to self-isolate, the Public Health Unit has advised that all children, team members and family members who have any COVID-19 symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or fever should have precautionary testing for COVID-19. If symptoms are present, we recommend seeking immediate professional medical guidance.
"The health and safety of all children in our care and our team members remains our highest priority and we will continue to keep everyone fully informed on any developments. We will continue to work closely and follow all directions given by the Public Health Unit and ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety are maintained."