Omicron case visited two Melbourne venues

| December 14, 2021

A confirmed case of the Omicron coronavirus variant visited two popular Melbourne nightclubs, forcing hundreds of fellow patrons into isolation for at least seven days.

Victoria’s health department says the positive case, infected with the new variant, attended Sircuit Bar in Fitzroy between 9pm and midnight on Friday and then Collingwood’s Peel Hotel between 11.30pm and 3am.

It is estimated about 410 people were at Sircuit and another 320 were at the Peel Hotel during these times.

All have been deemed close contacts and must get a PCR test immediately and isolate at home for seven days if fully vaccinated, or 14 if not.

Patrons who entered Sircuit from 6pm to 9pm are also being contacted and asked to self-identify if they were there beyond 9pm, with authorities strongly advising them to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

“We’re still learning more about this variant, so we’re taking careful steps to ensure the safety and health of everyone in the community,” the health department said in a statement on Wednesday.

“All Victorians can play their part in reducing the spread of Omicron – or any other variant – by getting tested the moment they notice symptoms or as soon as they are told they are a contact, and practising COVIDSafe behaviours such as wearing masks and checking in.”