A punter who attended Golden Plains over the weekend has tested positive for COVID-19.
As reported by the ABC, it is believed "the person recently returned from overseas and became unwell on Sunday".
The festival hosted approximately 12,000 people from 7-9 March at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, about an hour outside of Melbourne.
US act Pixies headlined the festival before today postponing their remaining Australian tour dates.
READ MORE: Still Golden - All The Highlights From This Year's Golden Plains
In the "Little Golden Booklet" issued to festival-goers prior to the event, punters were encouraged to "reduce risk" by cleaning "hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating and after using the loo".
Those with viral or bacterial illness were asked to stay at home "to keep from infecting others".
"Our team works year round with health services and other agencies to keep Golden Plains and our local community safe," the booklet read.
"There are things we can all do in an effort to help reduce the risk from coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
"1. Follow all advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and check back regularly for current information as it relates to Golden Plains.
"2. Clean your hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating and after using the loo. BYO disinfectant (wipes, paper towel, hand sanitiser) to keep the other things you share at camp and elsewhere clean.
"3. If you have a viral or bacterial illness please stay at home, or go home, to keep from infecting others."
The Music also understands bottles of hand sanitiser were provided.
When contacting the festival for comment, The Music was directed by organisers to the Department Of Health & Human Services. We have reached out to the Department for further clarification.
UPDATED:
Golden Plains have issued a statement on Friday (13 Mar) saying the individual with COVID-19 was not unwell with the infection during the festival, meaning no further public health action is required by festival attendees. Their full statement is below:
"Thank you for sharing your concerns and seeking accurate information.
We have been working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to respond to a case of COVID-19 linked to Golden Plains Festival.
The DHHS has now completed its investigation. It has been determined that the individual to which the case relates was not unwell with the infection during the festival.
As a result, no further public health action is required by festival attendees, including workers, volunteers and artists.
We appreciate and respect the commitment by the DHHS and others to make thorough assessments in order to provide accurate information.
Thank you, too, for continuing to look after yourself and others.
At this stage, there are no further updates scheduled.
For information and guidance about the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please visit: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus."
For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.
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