Cases by region: Banyule among state’s worst COVID-19 areas

Victoria’s heath crisis appears to be slowing, with Banyule cases holding steady after becoming Victoria’s second-worst area for infection. But health experts are warning people to stay vigilant and remain inside unless necessary. SEE THE STATS.

Coronavirus cases have steadied in Banyule at 80 cases.

It is one case more than yesterday.

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State Government data has it sitting as the second worst local government area in Melbourne, behind only Stonnington (88).

Multiple large social gatherings have been to blame for the Banyule’s explosion in cases.

The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,299 – an increase of eight from yesterday.

There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 14 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.

Victoria’s chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton urged Victorians to remain vigilant and continue to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go,” he said.

Austin Hospital, a screening centre for coronavirus, has been preparing for the worst and erected tents in their grounds for potential overflow patients.

@3AW693 Austin Repat Heidelberg - setting up makeshift hospital #COVID19Aus @DeeDeeDunleavy pic.twitter.com/CW27rbk0wG

— Nina (@neens_25) March 31, 2020

A spokesperson for the hospital said members of the public could now take an online screening tool to determine whether they need to be tested.

The online form asks a range of questions about symptoms and travel and would determine whether a patient needed the COVID-19 test.

Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said Victoria had established screening and assessment clinics across Melbourne and regional Victoria to test as many people as possible.

“And our world-class hospitals stand ready to establish more as required,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ensure GPs are also supported in providing advice and screening to potential COVID-19 patients.”

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The closest screening centres for those in the northeast suburbs are Austin Hospital and Northern Hospital.

Banyule Council has closed all of its centres, libraries and leisure centres.

Immunisation clinics, kindergartens and meal delivery and home care are still operating.

Banyule Mayor Alison Champion said a small number of staff had been affected by the closures but had supported them to minimise the financial impact.

“Job loss is a last resort for Council, and where possible we will redeploy staff to other positions within the organisation,” she said,

To stay up to date with the latest information visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.