Tonight there are 201 people with coronavirus in Victorian hospitals, including 40 in intensive care.
In shocking new figures released today, the state government revealed it was dealing with more than 7,000 cases of the virus, with 403 new cases detected today and five further deaths recorded since Wednesday.
Health Department data said 69 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 334 are under investigation.
The deaths were a man in his 50s and a man in his 70s who were not linked to known outbreaks.
“A woman in her 70s, a man in his 80s and a man in his 90s have also died and are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities,” the Department said.
To date, 49 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
Victorian COVID-19 cases currently linked to key outbreaks are as follows:
- 182 cases have been linked to Al-Taqwa College;
- 73 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner;
- 67 cases have been linked to Estia Health in Ardeer;
- 55 cases have been linked to Menarock Life Aged care in Essendon;
- 34 cases have been linked to Estia Health in Heidelberg;
- 33 cases have been linked to Arcare Aged Care in Craigieburn;
- 21 cases have been linked to Baptcare Wyndham Lodge in Werribee;
- 20 cases have been linked to Embracia Aged Care Moonee Valley in Avondale Heights;
- 72 cases have been linked to Somerville Retail Services in Tottenham;
- 58 cases have been linked to JBS in Brooklyn;
- 29 cases have been linked to Australian Lamb Company in Colac;
- 21 cases have been linked to Clever Kids Childcare in Ashburton;
- 10 cases have been linked to Bertocchi Smallgoods in Thomastown.
Cases currently linked to public housing in North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton are as follows:
- 293 cases are residents of various public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington. Investigations are continuing into how these cases are linked.
- 60 cases are residents of various public housing towers in Carlton. Investigations are continuing into if and/or how these cases are linked.
The Department says as investigations progress, these outbreak totals are likely to change as the public health team identify links between cases and identified outbreaks.
People living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are now required to wear a face covering when leaving home.
Stage 3 “Stay at Home” restrictions are in force across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.
“These restrictions are necessary because of the sharp increase in cases,” said Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton.
“If you live in these areas, there are only four reasons to leave your home: shopping for food and essential items; care and caregiving; daily exercise; and work and study – if you can’t do it from home.
“These are tough measures, but this virus is not selective – it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission. We need everyone to do their part and ensure it is stopped in its tracks.”
