By Alesha Capone
Two workers from a Laverton North waste management and recycling facility have tested positive to COVID-19.
Global Resource Recovery (GRR) closed on May 29, after two employees, who are linked to the Keilor Downs family outbreak, were diagnosed with the virus.
“While the risk of transmission is low, as a precaution the facility has closed to allow a deep clean to be undertaken, contact testing and tracing,” a media release from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said.
The statement said close contacts of the workers were being tested and quarantined for 14 days, until June 9.
“So far the majority of tests have returned negative.”
GRR issued a statement which said the workers were infected as “the result of social contact outside the workplace”.
The statement said that the DHHS did not direct GRR to close its facility, but that the company had voluntarily decided to do so “in an abundance of caution”.
“GRR made the decision to temporarily close the Laverton North facility, as a precautionary measure on May 29 voluntarily,” the statement said.
“Now we are operating on a restricted basis.
“There were no concerns raised in relation to measures GRR is taking to minimise the risks associated with COVID-19.
“GRR is committed to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to follow comprehensive measures to manage business continuity and worker and customer safety and well-being.”
As of today, 54 Wyndham residents have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including two active cases.
