ARN music director Jason Staveley tests positive to coronavirus

Australian Radio Network executive Jason Staveley has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday (March 24), the GOLD104.3 Melbourne and WSFM Sydney head of music confirmed the virus can “hit hard”.

“I have tested positive to #coronavirus and am now in quarantine at home,” he wrote. “It hit me fast and can hit hard, so please do everything the experts are asking.

“The testing process is well organised – my result was delivered late yesterday in a little over 24 hours. The follow up from the Federal Health Dept has also been great.”

Yesterday, ARN was forced to temporarily close its Melbourne office after an unnamed employee tested positive for COVID-19.

GOLD104.3 breakfast host Christian O’Connell broke the news on Twitter, saying that the station “has had to go into a 24hr emergency Corona lockdown”.

A spokesperson confirmed the office closure with Radio Today, saying that the health and well-being of its staffer remain its top priority with many already working remotely.

“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.

“This staff member had minimal access within the ARN Melbourne office and as all non-essential staff were already working from home, this person’s contact with others at ARN was limited.

“The health and well-being of our people is our number one priority and, as such, we’re in constant communication with any staff who may have been in contact with this person.

“In line with Government advice, the ARN Melbourne office is currently closed while being professionally sanitised.

“Due to ARN’s business continuity plans, the GOLD104.3 and KIIS 101.1 stations remain broadcasting and our technology and resources are in place to ensure all staff, including on-air talent, news and content teams, can work from home and other appropriate locations.

“We will continue to work with the appropriate Government bodies to further contain and manage the situation.”

In his Facebook post, Staveley urged everyone to keep washing hands, maintaining a safe distance from others and to regularly check on friends and neighbours “in this isolating time”.