By Luke Voogt
COVID-19 cases have risen by a third on the Surf Coast and about 16 per cent in Geelong today, according to the latest data.
Greater Geelong coronavirus cases rose from 37 to 43 today after remaining level for the previous 24 hours, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The momentary halt was the first time in more than a week Geelong had recorded no daily increase.
Since the department began releasing local government area data last Monday Geelong cases have risen almost daily with confirmed cases nearly doubling last Thursday from 11 to 21.
The total Geelong cases then increased to 23 on Friday, 33 on Saturday and 37 on Sunday, according to the department.
The Surf Coast recorded eight cases of coronavirus today, up from six yesterday.
Across Victoria coronavirus cases rose by 96 today, bringing the state total to 917, 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 501 men and 413 women.
“Four cases in pre-school aged children were notified yesterday, with three cases in children aged under a 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.”
In Victoria 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 may have acquired through community transmission, while more than 45,000 tests have been conducted, according to the department.
“Currently 29 people are in hospital – including four patients in intensive care – and 291 people have recovered,” the department said.
Of the 917 cases, 728 occurred in metropolitan Melbourne and 173 in regional Victoria, with some other cases still under investigation.
The National Cabinet has agreed on new restrictions,which took affect at midnight yesterday, 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 yesterday.
“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.”
