27 May 2021 12:49pm Public health experts have been concerned on the speed of the B1.617.1 variant of COVID-19 which has moved quickly through the community. Acting Premier James Merlino said, “here in Victoria we’re seeing not only how quick it is but how contagious it is as well”. “Our contact tracers identifying – are identifying and locking down the first ring, second ring and third ring within 24 hours,” he said. “They have never done that before. That’s the fastest our contact tracers have ever moved within a 24-hour period, identifying and locking down first, second and third rings of cases. But despite working as fast as this – and my thanks to all of our contact tracers – this variant is moving faster still.”