The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1291 – an increase of 10 from yesterday, as testing for the virus expands in Victoria.
There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 14 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
The total number of cases is made up of 672 men and 619 women, with people aged from babies to their early nineties.
There are 122 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. Currently 40 people are in hospital, including 15 patients in intensive care. 1,118 people have recovered. More than 71,000 Victorians have been tested to date.
Of the total 1,291 cases, there have been 1029 in metropolitan Melbourne and 236 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.
To better track the spread of the virus in the community, Victoria is once again expanding the testing for COVID-19.
Testing will now be based only on the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of age or occupation – making Victoria’s testing criteria the widest in Australia.
These symptoms include any new fever, chills or breathing problems, specifically cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
Only people in the general community with these symptoms will be eligible for testing.
As the testing expands, the public can be assured that it will also continue for people with compatible symptoms who are close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, travellers from overseas, cruise ships passengers, as well as healthcare workers and people whose employment and contact with the broader public may place them at higher risk.
Healthcare workers and other frontline employees will be able to have their test results returned faster, allowing them to get back to their vital work in the community as soon as possible.
We are able to expand testing because the number of people returning from overseas has significantly reduced, and more labs have come online – allowing us to test more people. There are now 40 screening clinics open across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The current testing criteria is available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-services-and-general-practitioners-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
“Victoria is at a pivotal time in the response to COVID-19,” said Professor Brett Sutton, Victoria’s chief health officer.
“We have been successful in decreasing the number of cases coming from overseas due to reduced international travel and quarantine measures, however we now need to focus on finding cases that are being transmitted in our community to further slow the spread.”
“The testing criteria have therefore been changed to include people with clinical symptoms of COVID-19, irrespective of where they have travelled or any other criteria such as age or occupation.
“We must remain vigilant and not erode the gains made in slowing the spread of the virus. Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go.
“While we are starting to see some improvement in the rate of transmission, that rate could climb quickly if we lose focus.
“Physical distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe. Our message is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home.”
The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support. All close contacts must self-isolate for 14-days.
There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.
Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.
Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.
