Coronavirus update for Victoria - 17 February 2021

Victoria has recorded no new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases now linked to the Holiday Inn remains at 19.

There are 25 active cases in Victoria, made up of 17 locally acquired cases and eight overseas acquired cases. There are no new locally acquired cases. One locally acquired case was isolating in hotel quarantine.

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,475.

Update: Holiday Inn Cases

There are no new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) linked to the Holiday Inn.

In relation to the Holiday Inn cases, we have identified 59 primary close contacts linked to households and social groups and 1312 primary close contacts linked to exposure sites.

The number of identified close contacts, particularly those linked to exposure sites, will continue to change as exposure sites and cohorts are cleared and others are identified.

Our contact tracing efforts continue to meet performance benchmarks.

99.9 per cent of new primary close contacts identified on 12 February were contacted by our contact tracers within 48 hours.

Weak positive under investigation

The Department has been notified of a weak positive test result in a man who presented to hospital from the Twin Parks Aged Care Facility. The man was a positive case from August last year.

He tested negative twice before a third test returned a weak positive.

This case has not been added to the numbers as it is still under investigation. The result is thought to represent persistent shedding from a previous infection. He has no links to cases at the Holiday Inn.

The case is being re-tested today and will be considered by members of the expert review panel.

Out of an abundance of caution while awaiting the repeat test, the aged care facility has been kept safe and all staff and residents were tested yesterday evening.

Update: Exposure sites

There are now more than 40 public and private exposure sites in Victoria.

On Monday, the Department reported a new case linked to the Holiday Inn cases who also worked in a psychiatric unit at Alfred Health and on two mental health wards in the northern suburbs.

As of last night, 130 primary close contacts were identified through those sites and so far, 103 have tested negative.

The Department has identified nearly 100 primary close contacts at two kindergartens in Glenroy that were visited by a child with the virus.

We identified 87 primary close contacts at Goodstart Early Learning Centre. So far, 83 have tested negative.

Another 10 close contacts are identified from the Glenroy Central Kindergarten. All have tested negative.

At the Queen Victoria Market, the Department has identified 138 primary close contacts. Most have been tested and results are expected back today.

The Department has also identified 340 primary close contacts linked to two swimming pools in the northern suburbs, and so far, 279 have tested negative.

Elite Swimming is now Tier 1 site for the period of 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm only. Out of an abundance of caution, one half hour on either side of this period is listed as a Tier 2 exposure site time.

Anyone who has visited Tier 1 exposure sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days.

People linked to Tier 2 sites are strongly encouraged to isolate, get a test and stay isolated until they receive a negative result.

All current exposure sites can be seen at Case locations and outbreaks. This website is rapidly updated as any new sites are identified.

Update: Expanded testing capacity

39,248 test results were received over the last 24 hours and 130,000 tests over the last five days.

That’s an incredible figure that reflects both the commitment of Victorians in the community, the hard work of our testing teams on site, and the efficiency of our experts in the lab.

We are very grateful to all of those Victorians who have already been tested. As we work to close out cases linked to the Holiday Inn, the most important thing to do is to get tested.

Extended operations will continue through the day today at 13 testing sites.

Today we have also set up a new drive-through testing site at the Grand Prix circuit, 12 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, which will open from 7-days from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

With high temperatures forecast over coming days, some testing sites may have to close or alter their hours of operation.

We have also advised the public to make sure they have plenty of water, fuel and other necessary items in case they experience a lengthy wait.

We thank them for their patience while our staff do their utmost to keep them and the community safe.

The department is publishing expected wait times at testing sites as well as updated information about locations and hours of operation at Where to get tested.

Update: Circuit-breaker actions lifted

Restrictions under Victoria’s new circuit-breaker actions will end tonight. From 11:59pm 17 February 2021 Victoria returns to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions – with some revised conditions.

There will no longer be four reasons to leave home and the five-kilometre restriction will no longer apply. Schools, restaurants and retails can reopen and both public and private office workers can return up to 50 per cent on site.

The circuit breaker has worked, but there is still more work to do with around 3,400 primary close contacts still isolating.

There are a number of revised conditions that will continue for another nine days until Friday 26 February, subject to public health advice.

These include:

• Limiting visitors to your home to five people per day
• Limiting public gatherings with friends and family to 20 people
• Limiting visitors to hospitals and aged care facilities to one household per day with some specific exceptions

Face masks must continue be worn indoors, except in residential homes. Face masks are also required outdoors whenever you cannot physically distance.

For more information about all the circuit-breaker actions, please visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.

General advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing any symptoms, wear a fitted face mask when you get tested.

Travel permit applications can be made through the Service Victoria portal.

For more information call the 24-hour Coronavirus Hotline at1800 675 398 or visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.

Latest statewide numbers (data reported to 11:59 pm yesterday):