https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-06/ ... /100516706
CFMEU claims 'dozens' of COVID-19 cases
now linked to Melbourne construction protest
Dozens of people are now infected with COVID-19 in a cluster linked to a protest outside the construction union's Melbourne headquarters two weeks ago, according to the CFMEU.
Key points:
CFMEU secretary John Setka said up to 40 cases were now linked to a protest at the union's headquarters
The union said at least 12 of the cases were in children under the age of 10
The CFMEU has identified a number of its members who attended the protest but has not expelled them
The CFMEU's Victorian construction secretary John Setka said seven officials and staff had been confirmed to have contracted the virus and "close to 40" family members and close contacts were now infected.
Those numbers and the link to the protest have not yet been confirmed by the health department.
Hundreds of people protesting against mandatory vaccinations in the construction industry gathered outside the CFMEU on September 20, and clashed with union officials.
CFMEU secretary John Setka said the infection had spread to 14 members of one official's family, and at least 12 cases linked to the protest were in children under 10.
"We've got a case of a four-month-old toddler who's got it, young children, grandparents, it is just absolutely terrible," he told ABC News Breakfast.
"My understanding is some of them are seriously unwell, I don't think they're on a ventilator but they're not really travelling that well.
Posted 42m ago
42 minutes ago
, updated 41m ago