Australia Corona Virus

Victoria records zero local cases of COVID-19 as AFL considers ‘drastic’ changes

Source: 9news

Victoria has recorded zero local cases of COVID-19 as coronavirus cases balloon across the rest of the country.

More than 17,600 tests were conducted yesterday and two infections were detected in hotel quarantine.

Meanwhile, the AFL is considering drastic changes to the game as border restrictions around the country have thrown the league into chaos.

Victoria further tightened its border measures overnight as states suffer COVID-19 outbreaks, shutting out Darwin and declaring Greater Brisbane and Perth orange zones.

Large parts of NSW remain red zones, banning all travel aside from returning residents who are subject to quarantine requirements.

Due to border restrictions and escalating coronavirus outbreaks, the AFL’s player hub system could make a comeback and the game could be played six days a week.

The 2021 AFL season opener at the MCG on March 18, 2021. Photo: Eddie Jim. (The Age)

In a stark contrast to last year, Melbourne is shaping up to be the potential hub city as other states are hit with growing coronavirus cases.

More matches are likely to be relocated next week, including the Adelaide vs Brisbane match in Adelaide and potentially the Carlton vs Fremantle match in Perth.

The Western Bulldogs have returned to Melbourne after playing against the Eagles in Perth in front of no crowd which was a last-minute decision.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has said hubs are a last resort, but with growing border closures around the country, the league could be left with no other choice.

BORDER RESTRICTIONS BY STATE

Sydney and GWS are stuck in Melbourne for at least the next two weeks, as they are unable to return to NSW.

While North Melbourne must remain in self-isolation until they return negative COVID-19 results after passing through Melbourne Airport at the weekend, which later became an exposure site.

Contact-tracers are scrambling to get in touch with passengers on a Brisbane to Melbourne flight on Friday, following an infected flight attendant.

Long queues at the border between NSW and Victoria. (Nine)
Police at the border between NSW and Victoria. (Nine)

“We’re monitoring this situation in real-time,” Acting Premier James Merlino said.”It is absolutely dynamic.”

Virgin Flight VA334 from Brisbane to Melbourne on June 25 has been declared a Tier 1 exposure site.Anyone who was on the flight between 2.55pm and 5.20pm must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days regardless of the result.

Testing Commander Jeroen Weimar said close contacts of the infected Virgin flight attendant had been identified.

Melbourne's CBD.
Victoria recorded zero new local cases of COVID-19 on June 28. (Getty)

“We are following up with 128 passengers who were on that flight that arrived from Brisbane on Friday afternoon, and a total of 43 staff have been identified as primary close contacts of the worker,” he said.”

My thanks to Virgin and my thanks to the to the individual. She was tested yesterday afternoon in NSW, so we have a very swift response in place for her.”