Coronavirus Victoria: Cases remain in double digits for fifth straight day
Victoria’s daily coronavirus case total has remained a double-digit figure for the fifth day in a row as the state struggles to quash the stubborn tail end of the second wave.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced 15 new cases on Monday, up from Sunday’s 12 reported cases.
Monday’s total is unwelcome news for Melburnians, especially as Monday has typically seen lower case totals due to a dip in testing over weekends.
Metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day rolling average has risen to 9.9.
The state announced zero more deaths with its death toll remains at 810.
Premier Daniel Andrews had hoped to take Step Three of the roadmap in its entirety on October 19, however at this stage, the trigger points of less than five mystery cases over 14 days and a 14-day rolling average less than five appear unachievable.
Metropolitan Melbourne has 11 mystery cases in the time period.
While Mr Andrews said there will be “significant” changes announced on Sunday, he warned over the weekend it was too dangerous to take all of the steps outlined in Step Three.
"[The changes] will be the stuff that people are really missing," he said.
He also indicated businesses in regional Victoria were more likely to see relief than those in Melbourne.
"I think there'll be more economic things that can happen in regional Victoria because the numbers are low," Mr Andrews said.
New rules rolled out Monday
Mr Andrews’ government has also announced new quarantine and business safety measures.
Close contacts who refuse a COVID-19 test on day 11 of quarantine will be forced to spend another 10 days in isolation, while regional Victorian businesses will have to take all reasonable steps to ensure patrons are not from Melbourne or face a $9913 fine.
It follows a Melbourne man illegally dining at a Kilmore cafe, sparking a fresh outbreak in Mitchell Shire.
Both rule changes came into effect at 11.59pm on Sunday.
with AAP
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