The government of the Australian state of Victoria will shut down the $580 million (US$376 million) quarantine hub after eight months of operation due to a fall in COVID-19 cases.
In February, the Victorian government launched the purpose-built quarantine facility in Melbourne’s outer north suburb Mickleham to accommodate international travellers and local residents.
However, it only served 2,168 quarantine patients before shutting down in the week commencing Oct. 10.
The $580 Million Quarantine Hub
The hub was built with funding from the federal government, but the Victorian government was responsible for operating the site.
On average, each quarantine patient costs Australian taxpayers over $267,000.
The Victorian government lobbied for the facility for months before receiving the green light from the former Morrison government in June 2021….