Victoria’s COVID-19 cases rise

In good news, Australia’s medical services are leading the world in COVID-19 related ICU survival rates.

The surge in cases almost 100 more than figures recorded on Saturday.

The 10 deaths include seven men aged between 40 and 80 years, and three women in their 70s and 80s.

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Seven of the deaths are linked to aged care outbreaks.

At least 228 people are in hospital with 42 in intensive care.

The coronavirus has so far claimed the lives of 71 Victorians.

The state now has 4233 active cases with 560 cases in aged care and 381 cases among healthcare workers.

Premier Daniel Andrews said 42,573 tests were conducted on Saturday, the largest in the a single day.

Mr Andrews said about a third of the cases were people between the ages of 18-29, and although there was some “relative stability”, the numbers had to be driven down.

“These numbers are far too high,” he said.

“I can’t tell you where we will be in another 3.5 weeks, but what I can confirm for you … is that the data will drive the decisions.”

About 200 paramedics that are not rostered on and third-year students will begin assisting with contact tracing.

Up to 150 Australian Defence Force personnel will also begin working alongside Ambulance Victoria paramedics over the next 10 days to help move equipment.

Mr Andrews said the move would free up 150 Ambulance Victoria paramedics to do other tasks.

He again called on Victorians to wear a mask warning if they don‘t, they will be fined $200.

“10 families are currently planning funerals and the youngest among them, they have lost someone in their 40s,” he said.

“If you are sick, then you must get tested and must get tested quickly.

“Then you must stay at home and wait for your test results. Not going to work, not going shopping.

“There is a $300 payment available for that insecure, if are you in insecure work in between getting the test and getting the results.”

Mr Andrews said outbreaks in aged care homes would result in deaths because the average age of residents was around 90 years old, and many had underlying complex health conditions.

He said although the state government does not run a lot of the nursing homes, the government was working closely with the people who do.

Doctors were also making decisions about whether an aged-care facility can appropriately provide clinical care and infection control for residents.

Mr Andrews reminded Victorians that coronavirus was not like a common cold.

“In many, it’s much more like a chronic illness where it takes quite some time to get over it,” he said.

It comes as Queensland announced another day with no new cases, with just five active across the state.

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