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Quarantine hotel sex scandal linked to coronavirus outbreak in Australian city of Melbourne

Quarantine hotel sex scandal linked to coronavirus outbreak in Australian city of Melbourne

By Semi Turaga
03/07/2020
[Photo: CNN]

Australian officials have launched a judicial inquiry amid allegations a fresh coronavirus outbreak in the state of Victoria was sparked by some contracted workers not following protocols at a hotel used to quarantine international arrivals -- including reportedly having sex with people under lockdown.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state government would provide $3 million to support the inquiry.

He has previously said a number of cases in late May and early June could be linked to "an infection control breach in the hotel quarantine program."

Authorities have commandeered a number of hotels across the country as part of its strict border controls to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Anyone who arrives in Australia must undertake a 14-day mandatory quarantine at the facilities, which are managed by the government.

Australia's National broadcaster ABC reports 31 cases have been linked to Melbourne's Stamford Plaza hotel, while other infections have been linked to the Rydges on Swanston hotel, which is also in the state capital.

9 News reports the alleged breaches include claims some workers had sex with guests in isolation and a lack of training for the guards.

[Source: CNN]

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