Coronavirus Victoria: State sees jump in deaths
Another 16 people have died from COVID-19 in Victoria as the state confirmed 279 more cases on Sunday.
The deaths take the total number nationally to 395 and the toll in Victoria to 309.
Premier Daniel Andrews said 11 of the deaths reported Sunday were linked to aged care facilities.
One woman and two men in their 70s have died along with two women and four men in their 80s, and four women and three men in their 90s.
“Of course our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with the families of each of those people who have passed away,” Mr Andrews said.
“This is a difficult time for them.”
On Saturday, the state reported 303 new cases and four deaths.
Mr Andrews said two of those deaths are related to aged-care outbreaks.
State of Emergency extended
Mr Andrews also announced on Sunday that Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended to September 13.
“The state of disaster also works over the top of that, so between both of those frameworks, that means there is no doubt as to the authority and effectiveness of all of the different measures we have put in place, none of which we take any enjoyment from having to impose,” he said.
The premier added decreasing case numbers though “are encouraging”.
Specialist medical teams have reportedly entered the Doutta Galla facility at Yarraville after 19 residents tested positive for the virus on Saturday.
As late as Friday, Doutta Galla reported that no further staff or residents had tested positive but said further testing was underway.
Mr Andrews has refused to rule out taking over more coronavirus-ridden private aged care facilities struggling to provide adequate care.
After sending in public hospital nurses to Glenlyn Aged Care in Fitzroy, Florence Aged Care in Altona North and Kalyna Aged Care in Delahey, the premier on Saturday said the government was ready to take over more sites if needed.
"I can't rule out that we will add to that list," he told reporters in Melbourne.
"If we are asked to step in then that is exactly what we do.
"That's all about making sure residents get the best care."
More than 240 fines issued
Victoria Police issued 243 fines for people breaching directions by the Chief Health Officer in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning.
Twenty-eight were given to people not wearing face masks in public with 84 for curfew breaches.
Among those fined included a Torquay man who police said travelled over 140km to Castle Cove to surf because there were “no waves on the east side”.
Four others were slapped with fines after they were found driving in Wyndham during curfew hours.
Police said the group told them they were going to buy cigarettes.
with AAP
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