By Alesha Capone
A store at Pacific Werribee underwent a deep clean yesterday evening, after one of its staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
The shopping centre’s manager, Patricia Gardiner, confirmed the positive test but did not tell Star Weekly which store the employee was based at.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, retailers, staff, contractors and suppliers at Pacific Werribee is our priority and we take this notification extremely seriously,” Ms Gardiner said.
“Pacific Werribee has been working closely with the tenant in responding to this matter, and follow advice given by the Department of Human and Health Services (DHHS).
“On receiving the notification of the confirmed COVID-19 case, the tenant rapidly responded and overnight on Thursday, closed to undertake a deep clean of their store with high-grade disinfectant.
“We understand that the tenant will also work with DHHS in taking steps to understand who may have been in recent contact with the person who tested positive and DHHS will contact people who may be at risk.”
Ms Gardiner said that Pacific Werribee was continuing to carry out a range of in-centre initiatives to help mitigate infection transmission risk.
“We have implemented a number of initiatives at Pacific Werribee to help keep our community safe, including increased cleaning to strengthen the focus on sanitising commonly touched areas with high-grade disinfectant, placement of permanent hand sanitisation stations at key points throughout the centre, and a centre-wide signage campaign designed to remind our community how to keep safe and protect others during this challenging time,” Ms Gardiner said.
“We encourage anyone that is feeling unwell and suspects they may have symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate and seek medical attention as soon as possible, in line with DHHS guidelines.”
As a provider of essential goods and services, Pacific Werribee remains open and trading.
