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STATE coronavirus commander Jeroen Weimar says it is "not unusual" for people to have differing COVID-19 test results towards the end of their infectious period.
it comes after authorities this morning clarified that people at an Echuca exposure site still needed to get tested and isolate after an aged care worker returned a negative test.
They had tested positive to coronavirus earlier.
"It is not unusual when somebody is at the end of their infectious period, is that infectivity starts to reduce, they are positive at the first point of testing and they are no longer positive," Mr Weimar said.
"That is good news, good news for her and her family."
Mr Weimar said authorities were still to understand how the worker was infected but evidence so far suggests it will end up being traced back to the Shepparton cluster.
Saturday, 9.35am
PEOPLE in Echuca may still have been exposed to COVID-19 despite a letter circulating in the community suggesting a negative test result.
Health authorities have since clarified that the person was infectious while out in the community but returned a negative result.
That could be because the person had come to the end of their infectious period.
Their first positive test still stands.
People still need to get tested if they were at Echuca exposure sites.
The clarification comes after the Bendigo Advertiser received multiple copies of a letter from Echuca Community for the Aged saying that a staff member who tested positive on Thursday received a negative result on Friday.
Authorities have previously said the staff member last worked at the aged care home on Friday August 20 and that exposures during their lockdown period was likely very short.
Friday, 8pm
AFTER initially testing positive on Thursday night, Echuca Community for the Aged has confirmed their worker is negative for COVID-19.
In a statement, chief executive John Dean confirmed the worker had been tested again on Friday.
"I am pleased to advise the staff member who tested positive to COVID-19 yesterday has been re-tested and this latest test has produced a negative result," the statement said.
"All our residents and the majority of staff have also undertaken testing today."
Mr Dean assured families they would be contacted as soon as possible if there were any changes to the COVID-19 situation.
"We know this is an anxious time, but please do not call asking for results," the statement said.
"We will ring family members immediately when there is a clinical change or a positive test for COVID-19.
"We understand the wish for you to visit loved ones but due to the directions from the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit this is not possible.
"I acknowledge again that this is a challenging time for us all and are very grateful for your continued trust and support."
You can find the full list of COVID-19 exposure sites here.
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