By Luke Voogt
Geelong recorded another COVID-19 case today, bringing the city’s total to 54 as the eighth Victorian died from the disease overnight.
A woman in her seventies died in hospital last night, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed today.
Across the state confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 30 today bringing the total to 1115, according to the department.
According to the department 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19 may have been acquired through community transmission.
Another 640 were acquired through overseas travel and 366 through contact with a known case, while 36 are still under investigation.
The total number of cases includes 587 men and 528 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.
“Currently 42 people are in hospital – including 10 patients in intensive care – and 527 people have recovered,” the department said.
Of the total 1115 cases, 894 occurred in Melbourne and 209 in regional Victoria, with some cases still under investigation.
More than 54,000 tests have been conducted to date.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton today urged Victorians to stay vigilant despite the decreasing transmission rate.
“Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go,” Professor Sutton said.
“While we are starting to see some improvement in the rate of transmission, that rate is still far too high.
“We thank those Victorians who overwhelmingly are doing the right thing by staying at home, but we must keep at it to save lives.
“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.”
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.
Coronavirus cases on the Surf Coast remained at nine for the third consecutive day.
Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 hotline: 1800 675 398.
