Coronavirus Victoria: Cases rise as 13 more deaths confirmed
Victoria’s daily coronavirus cases have risen while the state has recorded a further 13 deaths.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced 240 new cases on Thursday.
The state’s death toll now stands at 376, 83 of those in the last five days.
Thursday’s victims are one male in his 70s, six females in their 80s, five females and one male in their 90s. Eight of the 13 are linked to aged care facilities.
It follows 222 cases and 12 deaths on Wednesday.
While the daily infections figure broke a streak of three days of lowering numbers, there have now been five days in a row where cases are below 300.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said on Wednesday the numbers were a “good sign” and that Victoria was now on the “down slope” of the second wave.
There are currently 4,864 active cases, 1,811 of those linked to aged care settings – a figure that continues to fall.
But a cluster at Frankston Hospital in Melbourne southeast is causing concern, with more than 50 cases.
A big drop in testing numbers is also worrying authorities, with numbers down by about 30 per cent.
People are being urged to be tested even if their symptoms are only mild.
Authorities said this week they need testing numbers to remain solid to keep track of Victoria's second outbreak.
On Thursday, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed testing had risen back to over 20,000 daily tests.
“I'll take this opportunity to thank every Victorian who's coming forward and getting tested,” he said.
“It really is critical for us to have a proper picture of how much virus is out there and to make sure that we're isolating those who are positive away from other people.”
Melbourne is in the third week of a strict level-four lockdown, while the rest of Victoria is under level-three restrictions. Both are due to end on September 13.
The health department has also removed a little-known stage four guideline that made it illegal for people to drive to parks within 5km of their home for exercise, following public outcry on social media.
with AAP
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
