A Victorian man has tested positive for COVID-19, ending the state’s 56 days streak of no locally acquired community transmission.

The man, who’s asymptomatic, arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday after completing 14 days of mandatory quarantine at Perth’s Mercure Hotel.

Genomic testing has confirmed transmission within the hotel’s corridor as the man was staying in a room adjacent to a couple who had returned from India.

Before the positive test result came out, the man had requested to be moved to The Holiday Inn on Flinders St as a precaution, which authorities have immediately accommodated his request.

Health Minister Martin Foley confirmed the man’s test came back as positive at 2am this morning.

“We will be examining the gentleman’s movements, particularly through the airport, where he did wear a mask, as he did on the flight,” Foley said.

The man’s partner and two children, who live in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne with him, have been asked to get tested and isolate for 14 days. Authorities will also be contacting all QF778 passengers to do the same.

Investigation on possible exposure sites is now underway and expected to be up later today.

Photo: A laboratory worker takes a swab test by Mufid Majnun available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.