Coronavirus: Melbourne couple infected with COVID-19 cop fierce backlash for public outings

The state of Victoria is pushing for tougher restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A Melbourne couple has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly failing to self-isolate while infected with COVID-19 and instead visiting shops and a golf course on the Mornington Peninsula.

According to The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, numerous police complaints were made about the wealthy finance figure and his partner after their return from a skiing holiday in the United States on March 6.

The couple was among about a dozen other Australians believed to have contracted the virus after attending a social function at an alpine resort in Aspen, Colorado, earlier this month.

There was a COVID-19 outbreak in Aspen. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times) (AP/AAP)

The pair did not experience any symptoms and thereby did not self-isolate immediately on their return back to Australia.

Self-isolation for all international arrivals did not become mandatory until Victoria's state of emergency declaration on March 16.

Under the new quarantine obligations, all travellers from overseas must self-isolate or risk fines of up to $25,000.

However, it is alleged four days later, Victorian health authorities informed the couple that they were at high risk of infection due to the outbreak in Aspen.

Reports claim the pair got tested for COVID-19 on March 15 at Frankston Hospital, with the woman returning a positive diagnosis first, followed by her partner two days later.

Aspen, Colorado. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times) (AP/AAP)

They were advised to self-isolate, allegedly staying at a Portsea property. But sources told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald they left the residence to go to the shops and a golf course.

Two other Australians, who also attended the social event, allegedly refused to be tested in Aspen in fear that a positive diagnosis could disrupt their ski trip.

Three complaints were made to Victoria Police between March 17 and 19. A complainant also said they spoke to officers at Rosebud police station, before being referred to the state hotline.

It is not suggested the couple has transmitted COVID-19 to others.

But their public appearances have sparked uproar within the coastal community.

A source close to the woman said the couple was victims of a smear campaign by "bored housewives", claiming no quarantine obligations had been breached.

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