Coronavirus update for Victoria - 8 April 2020

The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1212 – an increase of 21 from yesterday, as new measures came into force at midnight last night to further slow the spread.

Yesterday a woman in her 80s died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to 12.

The total number of cases includes 635 men and 577 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.

There are 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 60,000 tests have been conducted to date.

Currently 45 people are in hospital – including 12 patients in intensive care – and 736 people have recovered.

Of the total 1212 cases, there have been 980 in Melbourne and 225 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.

The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support. All close contacts must self-isolate for 14 days.

In a move to ensure rapid access to essential medicines for all Victorians, a new emergency order has been enacted so that pharmacists can now receive digital images of Schedule 4 prescriptions from a prescriber without relying on the original or faxed copy. This means for patients that are self-isolating, their GP can email their pharmacist who may be able to arrange delivery to their home.

There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.

Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.

Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton today urged Victorians to stay vigilant, particularly as we approach the Easter holidays.

“The rules are clear - and they don’t change over Easter: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home,” Professor Sutton said.

“This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life. Stay at home, protect the health system, and save lives.

“There is no doubt about it – physical distancing will save lives. I urge people not to look for loopholes but to follow the advice and do the right thing.”

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a hotline for public information on COVID-19, which is 1800 675 398. Large numbers of calls can result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume.

Further information is also available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Media inquiries

Department of Health & Human Services Media Unit (03) 9096 8860 or press@dhhs.vic.gov.au

Cases by Local Government Areas

Please find the latest COVID-19 notifications by local government areas below.

Note:

• Residential location is the residential address provided when the case is notified.
• This is not where they were infected and may not be where the case currently resides.
• Numbers are correct as of 11.59pm last night but are subject to change as cases are followed up and data is analysed.