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Huge surge in Victoria's coronavirus cases as man dies

Victoria has reported a further 216 cases of coronavirus and its 23rd death.

Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Saturday a man in his 90s died in hospital overnight.

“We send our thoughts, our prayers and best wishes to his loved ones,” Mr Andrews said.

“We know this will be an incredibly difficult time for them and any and all support that we can provide them of course we will.”

Pictured is Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria has recorded another 216 cases of coronavirus. Source: AAP (file pic)

The latest increase comes after Victoria reported 288 new cases on Friday – the highest daily count for any state since the pandemic began.

Metro Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are currently in the early stages of a six-week lockdown.

Mr Andrews reinforced people living in these areas need to stay at home.

“So I know it is very frustrating, and it is not the place that we wanted to be in, but it's a clear strategy,” the premier said.

“It will work, but only if every single Victorian and the whole community that will ultimately benefit from that strategy - it only works if we all play our part.

“It is the simple stuff, the common sense, doing the right thing, the smart thing.”

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said he expects to see cases drop within the next three to five days to reflect the lockdown measures.

A commuter checks the departure board at a deserted Spencer Street Station in Melbourne, Australia.
A commuter at a deserted Spencer Street Station in Melbourne on Thursday. Source: Getty Images

“There are challenges, though,” Professor Sutton said.

“Those restrictions restrictions limit substantially the number of interactions in home, socially, outside, but there are people who need to go to work and when you have a significant pressure of infection that we have with numbers now.

“We know there will be transmission because of the work people have to do and so we can't be guaranteed that will turn around in three to five days.”

Professor Sutton added people need to consider wearing masks, self-isolating if they are unwell and receive COVID-19 testing.

Health minister Jenny Mikakos implored residents to get tested.

“It's incredibly important that Victorians do get tested even if they have very mild symptoms,” she said.

“As we've explained many times before, you can be infectious even before you exhibit any symptoms whatsoever.”

A shop on Sydney Road in Brunswick displays a notice regarding the sale of face masks in Melbourne, Australia.
A shop on in Melbourne's suburb of Brunswick advertises face masks. Source: Getty Images

Victorians wearing masks

Mr Andrews said it’s “quite noticeable” more Victorians are wearing face masks now.

But he reinforced it’s “not compulsory” for everyone to wear one.

“Where you are out for a lawful purpose and you believe you may not be able to maintain that 1.5 metre distance from other people, then through an abundance of caution, and it's a low-cost, high reward,” he said.

“No mask is foolproof, but every contribution helps, and I'm very grateful to think that many more Victorians are wearing masks.”

Mr Andrews added Victoria’s ordered two million reusable face masks for “high risk environments” such as hospitals.

“We will have more to say about when they are arriving, how we will get them out, who will be the priorities, but the other point is you can make a simple mask at home and it does limit the risk of transmission of the virus, even wearing a scarf and covering your face is of some benefit,” he said.

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