By Luke Voogt
Geelong COVID-19 cases increased by three today to 46 while another Surf Coast case brought the shire’s tally to nine, according to the latest data.
The increases, bringing the combined total to 55, follow another six confirmed cases in greater Geelong (43) and two on the Surf Coast (8) yesterday.
Since the department began releasing local government area data last Monday Geelong cases have risen almost daily, nearly doubling last Thursday from 11 to 21.
The total Geelong cases then increased to 23 last Friday, 33 last Saturday and 37 last Sunday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Cases remained level for the first time in more than a week on Monday before rising to 43 on Tuesday.
Across Victoria coronavirus cases rose by 51 today, bringing the state total to 968, according to the department.
Four men, three in their 70s and one in his 80s, died last week in Melbourne hospitals after contracting coronavirus.
“Many more are in hospital or self-isolating at home,” the department said in a statement today.
“The total number of cases includes 526 men and 438 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.”
In Victoria 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 may have acquired through community transmission, while more than 47,000 tests have been conducted, according to the department.
“Currently 32 people are in hospital – including six patients in intensive care – and 344 people have recovered,” the department said.
Of the 968 cases, 771 occurred in metropolitan Melbourne and 183 in regional Victoria, with some other cases still under investigation.
Of the cases 581 resulted from overseas travel, 303 from contact with a known source and 36 from an unknown source in Australia (community transmission).
Another 45 cases are under investigation according to the department.
The National Cabinet has introduced new restrictions banning gatherings of more than two people, except for members of immediate households or for work or education purposes.
“Most Victorians are doing the right thing and I’m grateful to them,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday.
“But we continue to see instances of people gathering in significant numbers so we must do more.
“We will not be breaking up household family dinners – but BBQs with the neighbours cannot happen anymore. Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms will also close.”
Police can issue on-the-spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses who fail to comply with social distancing restrictions.
Under the State of Emergency people who fail to comply could also face a fine of up to $20,000 in court while companies could face fines of up to $100,000.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned everyone to 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.
“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.”
