By Mitchell Clarke
Just three active cases of coronavirus remain in Victoria, including one in Casey, despite the state recording 19 days of no new infections.
The state’s active case numbers haven’t dropped since 12 November, and the three remaining cases have stayed “active” for longer than the average two-week period, posing the question – why haven’t the infected patients recovered yet?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), people recover from the virus at different rates.
“Active cases are monitored, retested and cleared from isolation once it is safe and there’s no risk of transmission,” the Department explained in a statement posted to social media.
“Most cases isolate for 10 days. But some cases – such as people who are immunocompromised or still have symptoms – may need to stay in isolation for longer.”
DHHS added that “clinical assessment and further investigation” helped to determine whether a case was still in fact active.
A total of 1064 cases have been recorded in the Casey area since the beginning of the pandemic, while Cardinia Shire and Greater Dandenong have had a total of 204 and 540 cases, respectively.
Two of the three active cases are in hospital, but aren’t in intensive care, according to a daily Department briefing.
Of the active cases, one is from the Casey area while the other two are from the Greater Dandenong local government area.
The three persistent cases in the south east are all that’s preventing Victoria from stepping out of current restrictions, according to the State Government’s roadmap.
That roadmap states Victoria needs 28 days with no active cases before restrictions are all but removed under it’s ’Covid Normal’ scenario.
CovidSafe conditions include masks, physical distancing, hand and surface hygiene, staying home if unwell, cough and sneeze care, and undertaking activities outside wherever possible.
