Coronavirus Victoria: 113 daily cases again as deaths drop
Victoria’s new infections have remained close to double digits on Friday, while daily deaths have dropped significantly.
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a further 113 cases, the same as Thursday’s total, and 12 new deaths.
It follows a combined 47 deaths in the previous two days and takes the state’s death toll to 496.
Among the 12 deaths, which are all linked to aged care, are one male in his 70s, two females and one male in their 80s.
There were 19,863 tests processed in the previous 24-hour period.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters cases indicated the state was “very much on track” however warned Stage 4 restrictions must be seen out.
“We are definitely trending in the right direction, but we do need to hold the course,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews likened the current situation to a “public fire bushfire”.
“We're getting close putting it out. If we were to reopen at 113 while the fire is still going, not smouldering, still burning it wouldn't be a matter of time before it got to us again,” he said.
Daily case figures edging closer towards 100 and below will provide further food for thought for Professor Sutton and Mr Andrews as pressure mounts from the community for them to consider an exit strategy from Stage 4 restrictions.
On Friday, Mr Andrews said discussions had begun with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp regarding a recovery plan.
He said he was “confident” the government could map out their exit from Stage 4 restrictions “well before” September 13.
Dozens once again took to the streets of Dandenong on Thursday despite police warnings against protests following several days of arrests and fines in the area for breaches of the public health act.
While the majority of those are acting within the restrictions, police are concerned the community are using it as an opportunity to protest against the current restrictions.
One masked local told Yahoo News Australia he was stopped by officers on Thursday and was asked to provide his details before reminding them he had a right to exercise.
More to come.
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