By Brendan Rees
The number of reported Covid-19 cases for Casey City has risen to 50 – with one additional case in the past day, according to the the state’s latest health data
The Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services figures showed the total number of coronavirus cases in Victoria stood at 1281 – an increase of 13 in 24 hours.
There were no new deaths reported yesterday (12 April). To date, 14 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
The total number of cases is made up of 669 men and 612 women, with people aged from babies to their early nineties.
In neighbouring local government areas, the number of cases in Greater Dandenong remained steady with 15 cases while Cardinia had 11. A further breakdown of cases showed Stonnington remained the highest in the state with 88 confirmed cases, which included suburbs such as Toorak and South Yarra.
There are 122 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. Currently 40 people are in hospital, including 14 patients in intensive care. 1075 people have recovered. More than 70,000 Victorians have been tested to date.
In the past 24 hours, Victoria Police officers have issued 158 fines to those breaching the directions in relation to staying at home, restricted activity and isolation directions, according to a statement from Victoria Police Media. This included six outlaw motorcycle gang members gathering in cars in Flinders Street, Melbourne overnight and multiple instances of private gatherings at residential properties.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday 12 April today that the State of Emergency declared last month had been extended until midnight 11 May to continue the measures designed to ‘flatten the curve’ of coronavirus and give the state’s health system the best chance of managing the virus.
“There are positive signs our efforts are working – but if we relax now, our hard-won gains will evaporate and people will die” Mr Andrews said.
Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses.
Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton urged Victorians to remain vigilant and not erode the gains made in preventing the spread of the virus over Easter.
“Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go,” Professor Sutton said.
“We thank those Victorians who overwhelmingly are doing the right thing by staying at home, but we must keep at it to save lives.”
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a hotline for public information on 1800 675 398 or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
