Geelong and the Surf Coast recorded no new COVID-19 cases today as a 13th Victorian died from the disease overnight.
Confirmed coronavirus cases remained on 58 for greater Geelong while Surf Coast cases have remained on nine for several days, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
A man in his 80s died in hospital last night after contracting COVID-19, the department confirmed.
Another twelve Victorians, aged from their 50s to their 80s, have died so far from the disease.
But state-wide the spread of coronavirus has slowed with 13 new confirmed cases for Victoria today, bringing the total to 1241.
The figure includes 650 men and 591 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.
In Victoria 116 confirmed cases may have been acquired through community transmission with more than 65,000 tests conducted to date, according to the department.
“Currently 43 people are in hospital – including 13 patients in intensive care – and 926 people have recovered,” the department said.
Of the total 1241 cases, 1001 occurred in Melbourne and 229 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton today urged Victorians to stay vigilant during 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 98 fines while conducting 754 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state.
Officers fined nine youths for gathering in a private residence and also man they warned four times beforehand, Victoria Police said.
Since 21 March, police have conducted a total of 18,386 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.
