The Multiplex Premier Apartments site in Melbourne has been shut down after 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases and up to 20 close or casual contact workers were identified.

Following the conformation process and in-line with recommendations from the chief health officer and the DHHS, Multiplex, alongside the CFMEU, PPTEU, ETU and the AMWU, has shut down the site.

The site will now undergo a hospital-grade clean and all workers identified as being in close and casual contact were immediately sent home and ordered to get tested and to self-isolate until they received their results.

The implementation of increased safety measures across building and construction sites has been well-received but due to the increased number of community transmissions, both Multiplex and the unions collectively agreed to a full site shut down.

All workers on this site were notified of the closure and the Incolink testing bus and medical team were on-site to offer tests for all workers who were asymptomatic as a further safety measure.

The CFMEU has been extremely proactive in the management and provision of COVID-19 measures, going to extensive lengths to ensure members are informed and abide by all the correct rules.

“The health and safety of our members is of the utmost priority and we strongly condemn any behaviour that does not follow the appropriate measures put in place to protect our workers and the wider community,” the CFMEU writes in a statement.

“We implore all members and construction workers to continue following all measures and guidelines put in place for their safety, including strict hygiene practices, social distancing, wearing of masks and separation of workers on meal breaks as outlined by the Premiers Office and the DHHS.”