By Brendan Rees
Coronavirus infections have taken an alarming turn in Casey City – with cases climbing by six overnight, according to the latest health data.
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services figures show Casey has confirmed 17 active cases of the virus in the 24 hours to Thursday 26 June.
It comes as the State Government launched a massive testing blitz in coronavirus hotspots earlier this week including Casey, with Hallam singled out as a seat of community transmission.
Casey is now ranked as the third highest in the state in terms of active Covid-19 cases – now ahead of early ‘hotspot’ Stonnington local government area.
Victoria notched up its tenth consecutive day of double-digit growth – with cases rising by 30 to 1947 on Thursday 25 June. Of them, 1742 people have recovered from the virus.
Of the new cases five have been detected in returned travellers in hotel quarantine, seven linked to outbreaks, five cases identified through routine testing, and 13 cases under investigation.
In nearby council areas, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia had confirmed five active cases respectively – with no additional infections recorded overnight.
Currently six people are in hospital, including one patient in intensive care, according to the 26 June figures.
There are now 245 confirmed cases believed to be related to community transmission in the state.
Hallam has been identified as a priority suburb with a team of 800 testers to zero-in on community transmission with a fleet of mobile vans to conduct free testing to residents over the next 10 days – with or without symptoms.
Households are limited to five visitors. Outside of the home, people can now gather in groups of up to 10 only.
“It remains critical to practice good hygiene in and outside the home – wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and try to avoid touching your face,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said.
