The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 917 – an increase of 96 from yesterday.
Four people have already died in Victoria, many more are in hospital or self-isolating at home.
The total number of cases includes 501 men and 413 women. Four cases in pre-school aged children were notified yesterday, with three cases in children aged under one year and a one-year-old. This brings the total number of pre-school aged children in Victoria with confirmed cases to five. The oldest confirmed case in Victoria is in their late eighties.
There are 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 45,000 tests have been conducted to date.
Currently 29 people are in hospital – including four patients in intensive care – and 291 people have recovered.
Of the total 917 cases, there have been 728 in Melbourne and 173 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
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. Under restrictions agreed by National Cabinet, gatherings of more than two people are now banned, except for members of your immediate household and for work or education purposes.
There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.
All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction. All travellers returning from overseas to Victoria will be placed in enforced quarantine for the self-isolation period of 14 days.
Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 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.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said these are unprecedented times. The threat of coronavirus to public health is real and everyone must take social distancing seriously.
“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so,” Professor Sutton said.
“Social 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 Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ has a hotline for public information on COVID-19 which is 1800 675 398. Large numbers of calls will result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume.
Further information is also available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Media enquiries
Department of Health & Human Services Media Unit (03) 9096 8860 or press@dhhs.vic.gov.au