Latest Australia coronavirus update sees Victoria COVID-19 pandemic reach highest single-day death toll and New South Wales continues to try and contain outbreaks.
Victoria records its deadliest day
300 new cases and 7 deaths confirmed in Victoria.
In just two days Victoria has recorded 11 deaths caused by COVID0-19, the youngest of which was a man in his 50s.
The others were aged in their 60s to 90s and most were from aged care facilities.
Today’s toll is the highest for the State and equal highest for nation, which now has a death toll of 140. Of these, 56 were Victorians.
Another 300 positive cases were also confirmed, 249 of which are being investigated as their origin remains unknown.
Daniel Andrews said even though the new number was lower than those of previous days, with a peak of 484 on Wednesday, there was still nothing to celebrate.
“On today’s numbers, I think it’s best we note that number is lower than yesterday, but no one should be moving to provide commentary we have turned a corner,” he said.
Hundreds hospitalised and dozens in ICU
There are now 206 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Victoria, 41 of which are in intensive care.
Concerns about the capacity of hospitals is rising, with 300 health care workers currently infected with COVID-19.
More than 600 healthcare workers have contracted the virus since coronavirus began.
Fines for mask refusers
Victorian police have not held back with issuing fines to those breaking the rules, giving out 101 yesterday.
About a dozen of them were $200 fines for people not wearing masks, but there were also fines as high as almost $10,000 for businesses continuing to operate – including a gym in Hume.
Defence Force door knocking
In light of reports that around half of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Victoria had not isolated between getting their tests and receiving their results, the Australian Defence Force ramped up their monitoring on those supposed to be isolating at home.
Mr Andrews warned of punishments for those not found at home.
“If you were doorknocked and you were not found at home, then you are in breach of the orders because you are a positive case and you should be at home,” he said.
“So that would almost certainly lead to you being fined.
“You will have some very clear explaining to do as to why you are not at home isolated because you have tested positive.”
NSW outbreak continues
Three schools in Sydney have closed because of outbreaks linked to a Thai restaurant.
There are now more than 50 cases linked the Thai Rock restaurant in Wetherill Park.
A further 56 cases are linked to the Crossroads Hotel also in the State’s South West. Eight cases have so far been linked to the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on the coast, with the popular holiday town going into self-imposed lockdown.
Further Australia and Perth COVID-19 news coverage on SoPerth.com.au.
