New virus lockdown in Aus caused by quarantined patients – including Brits – having sex with guards at 5-star hotels
SOME of the quarantined guests who had sex with their coronavirus guards in 5-star Australian hotels are said to be Brits.
A serious spike in cases - which has been linked to the shocking security breach - led to a new "hard" virus clampdown in Melbourne.
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Since the Australia travel ban came into force in March, all travellers returning from overseas must self isolate in their hotel rooms for 14 days.
Foreign backpackers caught in the city during virus lockdown face the same no-nonsense restrictions.
However, according to reports from Down Under some randy guests, and those meant to be monitoring them, have found it difficult to stick to the rules.
“Somehow this virus escaped ... It looks like it all came from one hotel, and a few security guards having a good time,” said the ABC’s chief political correspondent Laura Tingle.
“It’s obviously now escaped hugely,”
Security staff and “quarantine-hotel insiders” have confirmed some hotel guards slept with guests during quarantine, reports The Australian.
It is now understood some of those involved in the illicit romps were British.
Guards were also caught sleeping on the job and guests were allowed to go between rooms to play cards and party, say worrying reports.
The news comes as police in the state of Victoria launch a crackdown on those breaching the rules.
The record high of 191 new coronavirus cases on 7 July prompted the reintroduction of stage three restrictions across all of metropolitan Melbourne.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent has now pleaded with people to play it safe after revealing more than 500 people had so far been fined.
They include people partying playing Pokemon and popping out to buy KFC.
Nugent also warned owners of short-term rental properties who allow parties to happen will be slapped with big fines..
He spoke out after police in Melbourne were called to multiple large gatherings over the past week.
Two massage parlours have also been fined £6,000 each and 40 clients fined £1,000 each after being caught visiting sex workers.
Mr Nugent said others fined included friends found driving around playing Pokemon Go.
"We ask please, to the community, abide by the restrictions, support the work that is being done to address this health emergency," Mr Nugent said.
More than 300,000 people living in Northwest Melbourne, in Australia, were placed in lockdown at the beginning of the month following a fresh outbreak - which is being linked to the security guards' behaviour.
The guards who then caught coronavirus unknowingly returned to Melbourne's suburbs - triggering a second wave in the country that had almost crushed the virus.
Greg Hunt, Australia’s health minister, has called the alleged breaches “completely and utterly unacceptable” after the city’s Herald Sun reported the claims.
The shocking allegations about the security staff have been heard among police and government circles, as well as within the hotel industry.
Launching an inquiry, Premier Daniel Andrews said there were a 'handful' of breaches among staff at the hotels which may play a part in the outbreaks.
Further allegations to be probed include claims guards shook hands with each other and shared lifts, were given limited training and wore PPE for extended periods of time without changing it.
Genomic testing, which tracks the markings of different strains of the virus, revealed Covid-19 may have been spreading among people who had contact with hotel staff and guests.
Health officials believe the virus was likely contracted at the hotel quarantine locations before being spread among friends and relatives of security guards.
Mr Andrews said DNA tests showed a number of cases could be linked to staff members in the hotels who breached the infection control protocols.
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He added: "That left me in no doubt that if not right now, but certainly back weeks and weeks ago, there was a significant infection control problem.
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"That is unacceptable to me. I'm sure that will be unacceptable certainly to all of those who will be impacted by the restrictions that we have had to reimpose."
To date the confirmed breaches of infection control among hotel workers include sharing car journeys to and from work, sharing cigarettes and lighters, and engaging in hugging and handshakes.