Victoria has recorded its 25th day in a row of no new coronavirus cases, as health authorities investigate an indeterminate test result. Authorities were told of the test on Saturday night and are conducting follow up tests. It’s understood the indeterminate result came after a negative saliva test a few days ago, followed by a weak positive nose test swab on Saturday.The person is believed to be isolating as a precaution, along with their close contacts.Public transport Minister Ben Carroll said DHHS would speak on the indeterminate result later on Sunday.“A result that was negative a couple of days ago … has returned a weak positive,” he said.“DHHS will have more to say about that later on.”Precautionary public health actions are being taken, the Department of Health and Human Services said.A total of 10,681 tests were received on Saturday. There are 20 active cases statewide. VIRUS FRAGMENTS DETECTED IN WASTEWATERFragments of coronavirus have been detected in Castlemaine, Cowes and Pakenham .The fragments were detected in wastewater samples taken on January 27.Anyone who has been in that area between January 25 and 27 is urged to get tested for the virus if they develop symptoms.Fragments were also detected in Gisborne, Hamilton and Leongatha.Anyone who was in Gisborne from 24 to 26 January, Hamilton from 25 to 27January or Leongatha from 17 to 19 January is urged to get tested if they have anysymptoms.NEW TRAIN TIMES, AS WORKERS RETURN TO THE OFFICEThousands of extra commuters have returned to Melbourne’s public transport system over the past three weeks, with more expected as the holiday period comes to an end. Patronage is still below half of normal levels before the pandemic but there are positive signs of recovery as authorities tip 70 per cent of passengers to return in the first half of the year.It comes as a new timetable comes into effect on Sunday that adds hundred of extra train services throughout the week and provides cheaper fares for off-peak travel. State government figures show on Wednesday public transport usage was about 44 per cent of normal pre-coronavirus levels.The numbers were a sharp uptick from January 6 when this figure was at just 29 per cent.Authorities are now preparing for a gradual increase in patronage over coming weeks and the end of school holidays is likely to motivate more people to head into the office.
Commuters are being urged to travel outside the typical rush hour to maintain public health advice such as social distancing, and have provided extra services and incentives to help.Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the government would continue its extra cleaning program and install hand sanitiser stations across all modes of transport.He said the new timetable added 450 services each week to allow passengers to physically distance.“We’ve also added more services outside peak hours to encourage passengers to stagger their travel and are helping people to travel outside the peak with a 30 per cent discount from 9.30am – 4pm,” Mr Carroll said.“We’ve done the work to make sure our network is, clean safe and ready – and Victorians should have every confidence to use public transport when they need it.”
Traffic on our roads has returned close to normal levels but public transport use is expected to remain at just under 70 per cent for a significant amount of time, prompting fears Melbourne congestion will worsen.Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the new timetable added much needed services on weekends and evenings for lines that had previously had crowding problems.Commuters will also notice changes around the City Loop, with the Frankston line now running only to Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station.“Overall it is a positive step forward,” he said.“Week by week we’re seeing more people back on public transport so its important to have systems in place now to cater for that.”
— Kieran Rooney
kieran.rooney@news.com.au
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