A scandal involving quarantine hotel staff is now being linked to a new COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne, Australia, with allegations of protocol violations that may have facilitated the spread of the virus.

In response to claims that a recent coronavirus surge in Victoria was triggered by breaches of quarantine rules, Australian officials have initiated a judicial inquiry, investigating workers at quarantine hotels who allegedly engaged in inappropriate activities, including sexual encounters with those in isolation.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Australian government has implemented strict border measures, taking control of various hotels nationwide to house travelers for a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. These facilities are strictly regulated by the government.

Currently, only Australian citizens and permanent residents, with a few exceptions, are permitted entry into the country.

ABC News reports that 31 cases are linked to Melbourne’s Stamford Plaza hotel, with additional infections tied to the Rydges on Swanston hotel. Dinogo has contacted both hotels for further information.

Premier Andrews has stated, 'It is absolutely clear that what transpired here is entirely unacceptable, and we must fully understand what occurred.'

According to Dinogo's partner 9 News, allegations suggest that some security workers engaged in sexual activity with quarantined guests, and that many guards were inadequately trained. A security contractor shared with the broadcaster’s Today show that he only received five minutes of training before beginning his role.

While the allegations remain unverified, Dinogo has reached out to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the quarantine program in the state, for further comment. On Thursday, Australia’s Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, told Dinogo affiliate Channel Seven, 'There are two confirmed cases where breaches have occurred, with serious consequences.'

When asked about the claims that security officers had sexual encounters with quarantined individuals, Hunt responded, 'If these claims are true, it is absolutely and utterly unacceptable.'

'We urge Victorian authorities to take strong action against anyone or any company found to have acted improperly,' Hunt added.

Victoria has seen a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, leading officials to implement a new lockdown in parts of Melbourne. The state reported 73 additional cases on Wednesday, raising the total number of active cases to 370.

Premier Andrews announced that no international travelers will be allowed into Melbourne for the next two weeks as the quarantine process is reassessed and managed by Corrections Victoria, the agency responsible for overseeing the state’s correctional facilities.

According to Minister Hunt, over 60,000 Australians have returned home and completed the hotel quarantine program.