Australian Radio Network forced to put offices into emergency lockdown

Australian Radio Network (ARN) has been forced to shut its Melbourne offices after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. 

GOLD104.3 breakfast host Christian O’Connell first broke the news to Twitter on Tuesday, saying the offices had gone into a 24-hour lockdown. 

The news was then confirmed by Radio Today, with an ARN spokesperson explaining an unnamed employee had returned a positive result. 

‘After contact with a person who recently returned from overseas, late yesterday a staff member of the ARN Melbourne team tested positive for COVID-19.’ they said.  

The spokesperson explained the infected person had limited contact with staff and space within the office. 

‘This staff member had minimal access within the ARN Melbourne office and all non-essential staff were already working from home,’ they added. 

The spokesperson added staff health and welfare was of the utmost importance after the possible exposure. 

‘The health and well-being of our people is our number one priority,’ they said. 

‘We’re in constant communication with any Melbourne staff who may have been in contact with this person.’ 

The network was forced to replay an old show on Tuesday. However, it confirmed it was set-up for future broadcasts. 

Australian Radio Network has a number of brands under its umbrella including Gold, KIIS FM and iHeartRadio. 

As of March 25, COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Australia with more than 2,000 people diagnosed with the virus and eight deaths.  

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Australian Radio Network for comment.