Prof. Brett Sutton, Victorian Chief Health Officer

Victorian Chief Health Officer, Prof. Brett Sutton, says that Coronavirus cases across the state have increased by 84 in the past 24 hours.

The Department of Health issued this statement on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 29):

“The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 769 – an increase of 84 from yesterday.

“Victoria has now recorded four deaths related to COVID-19, with one death recorded overnight, a man in his 80’s in a Melbourne hospital.

“The total number of cases includes 419 men and 346 women, with people aged from 3 to 88.

“There are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 39,000 Victorians have been tested to date.

“Currently 26 people are in hospital, including four patients in intensive care, 193 people have recovered.

“Of the total 769 cases, there have been 611 in metropolitan Melbourne and 139 in regional Victoria. A number of 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.

“All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction. From midnight last night (March 28), all travelers returning from overseas to Victoria will be placed in enforced quarantine for the self-isolation period of 14 days.

“While most Victorians are voluntarily complying with requests to quarantine and self-isolate, Police have strong powers to enforce the direction if it’s required.

“Police can now issue on the spot fines for anyone who is not following the directions of the Chief Health Officer including up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 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 said these are unprecedented times. The threat of coronavirus to public health is real and everyone must take social distancing seriously.

“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so,” Professor Sutton said.

“Social distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe.

“We urge everyone to stay 1.5 metres away from everyone else, wash your hands often with soap and water and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.”

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 will result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume. Further information is also available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus