The number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the North-East has stablised over the past week, with just one more case in Banyule.

These statistics, by local government area, indicate figures as at Tuesday (Apr. 28), as compared with the previous week:

Banyule – 83 (82)
Whittlesea – 22 (22)
Nillumbik – 21 (21)
Yarra Ranges – 21 (21)
Mitchell – 9 (9)
Mansfield – 3 (3)
Strathbogie – 2 (2)
Murrindindi – 1 (1)

Across Victoria, there were 1351 cases, compared with 1336 cases one week ago.

To date, 17 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.

The total number of cases is made up of 700 men and 651 women, with people aged from babies to their early nineties.

There are 139 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission.

Currently 23 people are in hospital, including 11 patients in intensive care. 1279 people have recovered.

More than 109,000 tests have been completed.

Of the total 1351 cases, there have been 1097 in metropolitan Melbourne and 216 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.

On Monday (Apr. 27) the Victorian Government announced a massive expansion of testing, which will help inform decisions about slowly lifting restrictions ahead of the State of Emergency being reviewed on May 11.

“Up to 100,000 Victorians will be tested for coronavirus over the next two weeks as part of a major testing blitz across the state,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said.

“Victorians have done a remarkable job sticking to the coronavirus restrictions, and by staying home have saved lives.

“We are now asking Victorians to again play their part and get tested if they have symptoms, because the more tests we do, the more data we have about the prevalence of coronavirus in the community.

“People with common symptoms of coronavirus including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell are encouraged to get tested.

“Our daily case numbers are still low which is encouraging. They prove that our physical distancing measures are working but this is not a time to relax our strong approach – this disease can get away from you very quickly as we have seen overseas.”

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.

“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.”