LATEST: Hundreds forced into isolation after Omicron exposure at popular Melbourne bars

Some 700 people have been told to isolate for at least a week after a person with the Omicron COVID-19 variant was at two Melbourne bars last weekend.

The Department of Health issued a statement on Wednesday morning.

The positive case was at Fitzroy’s Sircuit Bar between 9pm and midnight on Friday, December 10.

They then went to the Peel Hotel at Collingwood from 11.30pm until 3am the following morning.

Anybody who attended those venues at those times is being directed to quarantine immediately and get tested.

Those who are fully vaccinated must still isolate for seven days, due to the case having the Omicron variant.

Bar owner vents frustration after Omicron-infected patron forces staff into isolation

They must also get tested again after completing their seven days of isolation.

Those who aren’t fully vaccinated and have been deemed a close contact must quarantine for 14 days.

“A spanner in the works is the perfect way to put it – it’s not a great way to go into the Christmas season,” Professor Nancy Baxter, epidemiologist and head of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at Melbourne University, told 3AW Breakfast.

Press PLAY below to hear her insights on 3AW

The Department of Health has been notified that on Friday 10 December a case positive for the Omicron variant attended Sircuit Bar, Fitzroy between 9pm and midnight and The Peel Hotel, Collingwood between 11.30pm and 3am. pic.twitter.com/2lP7pASMVH

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) December 14, 2021