Explainer: What are the lessons from Australia's biggest outbreaks so far?
. They were told to make their own way home and then self-isolate for 14 days. That decision sent infected passengers into all Australian states and territories – and around the world – unaware that they were potentially infectious.Of those on board the Ruby Princess, there were a total of 914 cases and 22 deaths recorded in Australia. Some passengers with COVID-19 even hopped on international flights but the extent of the spread overseas will likely never be known.
More positive test results from Cedar Meats workers began returning in the last half of April. But Victorian health authorities failed to inform management about them for several days, instead relying on the labour-hire firm to pass it on. This allowed the virus to spread among workers and close contacts, resulting in the abattoir being shut down for two weeks.What has come out of itMeatworks have been the site of serious breakouts overseas because of the nature of the close-quarters work.
Scientists analysing the genetic code of the virus to emerge in Victoria so far have found this second surge of cases all look different to those earlier in the year - and all seemed to start from just one or two sources.
“Sometimes it’s about mistakes and blame, and these outbreaks need to be investigated but sometimes, even with all the right controls the virus will still get through,” McCaw adds. “But it’s clear communication between government departments can be challenging and communication with the broader community needs to improve.”
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