Surging cases of virus in Victoria

VICTORIA is at a “tipping point”, the state’s chief health officer has said, with a new and worrying increase in coronavirus cases.

Health minister Jenny Mikakos yesterday said there were 19 new positive tests recorded on Saturday, taking the state’s total to 1836 cases, of which 121 remained active.

The 19 new cases follow rises of 25, 13, 18 and 21 cases over the previous four days.

The increase led the Government to extend the state of emergency for four more weeks until July 19. A raft of eased restrictions that were due to come into place today have been axed. Police have been instructed to fine those caught breaking the rules.

“It is still a very serious situation,” Ms Mikakos said.

“We have had particularly some concerns around family gatherings, extended family members across many households, visiting each other even when they have been exhibiting mild symptoms and very concerningly even going to work when they had mild symptoms.

“The persistent rise of COVID-19 cases in Victoria means people must once again cancel social plans and struggling businesses must wait.”

The state’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, said there was “fatigue” around lockdown.

“This is a tipping point and we need to bear that in mind. Victoria could get to a point where we don’t have to worry about this. If we can drive transmission down to a point where we can get back to a substantially normal existence. We have to held the reins, this month – especially this month and next month – and see where we are at from there.”

Police have been instructed to fine people as they enforce new restrictions that commenced from 11.59 last night.

The virus spike came after it was revealed students at four

THE PERSISTENT RISE … MEANS PEOPLE MUST ONCE AGAIN CANCEL SOCIAL PLANS AND BUSINESSES MUST WAIT

JENNY MIKAKOS

Victorian schools would be forced to attend classes remotely today after being exposed to coronavirus. Two teachers and two students at four separate schools were infected.

From 11.59pm yesterday to July 12, Victorians will only be able to have five people at their homes. Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 10. Cafes, restaurants and pubs had been set to be allowed 50 patrons at one time today, up from 20 currently. That will also be put on hold until July 12.

However, gyms, cinemas, indoor sports centres and concert venues will still be allowed to reopen.