Three more deaths as Victoria records another triple-digit increase in coronavirus cases

The New Daily
Jul 18, 2020, updated Jul 19, 2020

The R0 is tightly guarded by the governemnt. Photo: AAP

Victoria has recorded 217 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, adding to the state’s total of 5353 cases.

Three more people have died – a man and a woman, both in their 80s, and a woman in her 90 – taking the state’s death toll to 35.

Of the new cases, 11 are linked to known outbreaks, one is in hotel quarantine and the remaining 205 are under investigation.

Mr Andrews called on Victorians to keep their guard up against the virus and observe stage-three restrictions.

“We can’t pretend this is over because we want it to be, we have to find a COVID normal,” he said.

“Everyone needs to play their part and I am deeply grateful to everyone who is.

“Victoria Police are out there in force and they will issue fines for people who are making choices that are much more about them than everybody else.

“We will need to be focused on the task at hand and that’s driving these numbers down further, having a sense of control, and then being able to get past this second wave and move into a set of circumstances where we can open up the economy more.”

The new cases come after the state recorded its worst day on Friday with 428 new coronavirus cases.

There are 2608 active cases across the state.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton called the new numbers “a relief”, given the previous day’s increase.

Mr Sutton announced 11 of the new cases are healthcare workers.

This takes the total number of healthcare workers to contract the virus to 405.

There are also three aged-care facilities that have recorded new cases of COVID-19; Bethlehem Aged Care in Bendigo, Bill Crawford Lodge in Ballarat and Bupa Aged Care in Edithvale.

Meanwhile, residents at a North Melbourne public housing tower are preparing to come out of a hard lockdown.

The 33 Alfred Street tower will move to stage-three restrictions from 11.59pm on Saturday.

But up to one third of residents, who either have the virus or are a close contact of someone who does, will be required to remain in their units until they’re cleared.

Victoria’s Ombudsman is investigating the treatment of people across nine public housing estates, which were completely locked down earlier this month.

Concerns were raised about communication with the residents and their access to food, exercise, fresh air, and medical supplies and care.

Mr Andrews played down the inquiry.

“The advice (about the towers) was very clear: shut them down and shut them down now,” the premier said.

“The Ombudsman can look at whatever she seems appropriate, that’s entirely a matter for her.”

-with agencies