Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Fears Over New COVID-19 Cluster in Australia

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Australian officials are warning they face a "dangerous
   situation"in the coronavirus pandemicafter reporting about 20 newly
   detected infections in thestate of South Australia, itsfirst outbreak
   since April.

   Afterseven months with no community transmission of the new
   coronavirus, South Australia is fighting to contain a cluster of new
   cases.

   Most of the recently detected infections are within the same family.

   The source is thought to have been a hotel in Adelaide where
   Australiantravelersare placed in mandatory quarantine after returning
   from overseas. An infected cleaner is believed to have passed on the
   virus to his or her large family, including a prison worker.

   Health authorities have been working to trace all known contacts of
   those within the Adelaide cluster. Thousandsof peoplehave been tested
   since it was discovered. Just one new case was detected Monday, but
   South Australian premier Steven Marshall says vigilance is needed.

   "This is a very dangerous situation. If we work cooperatively with SA
   (South Australia) Health and SA (South Australia) Police on thisonewe
   should get on top of it. But it isreallya very worrying situation, and
   we must act very swiftly," Marshall said.

.