Geelong COVID-19 cases increased by two today and the Surf Coast recorded its first new case in several days, as the disease killed a 14th Victorian yesterday.
Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 60 for greater Geelong while Surf Coast cases increased to 10, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The rise came as a man in his 80s died in hospital yesterday after contracting COVID-19, the department confirmed.
Another 13 Victorians, aged from their 50s to their 80s, have died so far from the disease.
Across Victoria coronavirus cases rose by 24 today bringing the state total to 1265.
The figure includes 661 men and 604 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.
In Victoria 118 confirmed cases may have been acquired through community transmission with more than 67,000 tests conducted to date, according to the department.
Another 695 were acquired through overseas travel and 430 from a known source, while 22 remain under investigation.
“Currently 44 people are in hospital – including 15 patients in intensive care – and 986 people have recovered,” the department said.
Of the total 1265 cases, 1012 occurred in Melbourne and 234 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged Victorians to stay vigilant over the long weekend.
“The rules are clear – and they don’t change over Easter: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home,” Professor Sutton said.
“This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life. Stay at home, protect the health system and save lives.
“This is not a normal Easter. Travelling, visiting friends, heading to the beach or staying in regional Victoria could see all our hard-won gains evaporate.
“I urge people not to look for loopholes but to follow the advice and do the right thing.”
In the past 24 hours, Victoria Police issued 183 fines while conducting 893 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state.
Across Victoria officers fined seven mates drinking in a schoolyard and four women partying at a short-term rental property, Victoria Police said.
Police also fined people at multiple private gatherings, travelling in rideshare vehicles and dealing drugs, they said.
Since March 21, police have conducted a total of 19,279 spot checks across the state as part of Operation Sentinel.
Victorians are only permitted to leave for food and supplies, medical care and care-giving, exercise, and work or education.
Police can issue on-the-spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.
Under the State of Emergency people can also face fines of up $20,000 in court. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.
Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 hotline: 1800 675 398.
