Casey coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne's south-east 'under control', Sutton apologises to Afghan community

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne's south-east is coming under control, and has apologised for statements that caused some in the Afghan community to feel targeted this week. Key points: Professor Sutton said it was "inappropriate" of him to refer to the Afghan community when he was reflecting on a broader message on Monday Professor Sutton said it was "inappropriate" of him to refer to the Afghan community when he was reflecting on a broader message on Monday The comments were linked to a coronavirus outbreak at Casey, which has grown to 34 cases, including two people in hospital The comments were linked to a coronavirus outbreak at Casey, which has grown to 34 cases, including two people in hospital Professor Sutton said the outbreak was "under control" but authorities would carefully monitor the situation over the next 14 days The first positive test in the Casey cluster was recorded just over two weeks ago, on September 4, and it has since grown to 34 cases, including two people being treated in hospital. Afghan community leader, Homaira Mershedi, said her community had been unfairly "singled out" over the Casey outbreak. Outbreak 'under control' Professor Sutton said the Casey outbreak was "under control" but authorities would be carefully monitoring the situation over the 14-day period when new cases could emerge in close contacts. The chief executive of Monash Health, Andrew Stripp, said local community health care services were working closely with the DHHS and the Casey community to contain the "significant" cluster.