'Very disappointing': What Victorians must stop doing during coronavirus crisis
People are still going to work despite being positive for coronavirus, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed on Thursday as the state recorded 723 new cases and 13 deaths.
“Too many people are going to work, even some when they have a positive test result,” he said while referring to one person who was caught out by a ADF door knocking crew on Wednesday.
The person was not home, but a family member who was told officials they had gone to work, Mr Andrews said.
A number of people were found to not be home during the checks on 798 properties, including people with symptoms who are awaiting coronavirus tests.
“You cannot go to work if you are sick. You simply can’t,” Mr Andrews said.
“All you will be doing is spreading the virus and putting people at risk. It is not a matter of judgement, not a matter of criticism.
“To have found even one person who had disregarded their diagnosis and instead had decided to go to work is very disappointing.”
The premier urged people to take advantage of the $300 payment for anyone having to take time off work while waiting for test results.
There is a $1500 payment if you are positive and have insecure work.
As long as people continue to work while having symptoms, Victoria’s coronavirus cases will continue to soar, Mr Andrews said.
“It remains the case that too many people are still going to work when they have symptoms. We are not judging them, just asking them, there is support for you, please do not go to work if you have symptoms,” he said.
“That is our request of you. I can't be any clearer. If that continues, these numbers will continue to go up.”
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Coronavirus: Victoria records 13 deaths
Ten of the 13 new deaths are related to private sector aged care, the premier said, noting that there are 913 active cases linked to retirement communities.
More than 200 people have been moved from aged care homes to hospitals across Melbourne, health officials said on Thursday.
The latest fatalities were three men and three women in their 70s, three men and two women in their 80s, and two men aged in their 90s.
The deaths take the state toll to 105 and the national figure to 189.
The dire numbers prompted the premier to announce a ban on visitors for residents of the Colac-Otway, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Moorabool, Golden Plains, and the Borough of Queenscliffe local government areas from Friday.
Mr Andrews also said the mask directive issued to residents of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire would be extended to all of regional Victoria from midnight on Sunday.
with AAP
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