By Alesha Capone
Pacific Werribee has confirmed that two of its retail stores have undergone a deep clean, after a staff member at each shop tested positive for COVID-19.
Pacific Werribee centre manager, Patricia Gardiner, confirmed that Optus and Typo have each advised centre management that one of their staff members has tested positive for COVID-19.
Star Weekly understands the Optus worker last visited the store on July 4, underwent a virus test on July 7 and received a positive diagnosis on July 10.
“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 is working closely with the tenants in responding to this matter, and following advice given by the Department of Human and Health Services (DHHS).
“On receiving the notification of the confirmed COVID-19 case, the tenants closed to undertake a deep clean of their stores with high-grade disinfectant.
“The tenants are also working with DHHS in taking steps to understand who may have been in recent contact with the two staff members who tested positive and DHHS will contact people who may be at risk.”
Ms Gardiner said that Pacific Werribee continued 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 currently remains open and trading.”