Overnight six new coronavirus infections were confirmed, taking the current cluster up to a total of 15 cases. An additional case was found this morning and will be included in today’s numbers, compiled tomorrow.

“These new cases underscore the importance of people coming forward for testing,” Acting Premier James Merlino said at a press conference this morning. He noted that some of the new cases are linked to a workplace in Port Melbourne – a finance firm – and can be traced back to the outbreak in Whittlesea.

“These cases are all linked. That’s a very good thing, but we are concerned by the number,” he said, later adding that the type of exposure sites – large, high-density public places – is also worrying.

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No new restrictions have been announced – yet.

“I want to be upfront with everyone this morning,” Merlino said. “I cannot rule out taking some further action. We’ll update people as soon as we know. It’s fair to say the next 24 hours are going to be particularly critical.”

Yesterday more than 20 new exposure sites were added to the DHS’s running list, including cafes and supermarkets in the CBD, Port Melbourne, Clifton Hill, Fitzroy North, Thornbury, Preston, Coburg, Mill Park, Reservoir and Bendigo. People who have visited exposure sites within the specified windows should get tested and self-isolate immediately.

It’s known that an infectious person attended the Collingwood/Port Adelaide game at the MCG on 23 May, but the stadium is yet to be added to the list of exposure sites. The DHS is directly contacting people who were seated nearby. Merlino praised the response.

“The AFL and the MCC were prepared for this moment,” he said. “We could contact all those individuals.”