Knox and Yarra Ranges coronavirus: COVID-19 cases recorded
Two blokes have been sprung breaching lockdown restrictions by playing Pokemon Go in Seville, as virus infections in the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas continue to increase.
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It was an expensive gaming session for two blokes who were caught playing Pokemon during lockdown in Seville.
The pair were parked outside a shop in the Yarra Valley town when police asked their reason for being out – the men allegedly told and showed officers the game on their phones on Monday, July 13.
This comes as the Victorian rise in live cases reaches 2128 – with 902 cases of community transmission – after an increase by 317 overnight on Thursday, July 16.
In Yarra Ranges there are only five active cases, with 32 recovered since the pandemic began.
While in Knox there are six live cases, with 30 people recovered.
However the active numbers in neighbouring municipalities are higher with Maroondah at nine, Manningham at 30, Whitehorse at 35, and Monash at 26.
Eastern Health Clinical Ambulatory Care director Dr Margaret Bird said coronavirus was a threat to all members of the community if the virus was to spread rapidly.
“It is very true that a number of people with COVID may have only mild symptoms and recover quickly,” Dr Bird said.
But, she said, there is an increasing risk of severe respiratory failure in those vulnerable people who might be older, have medical issues including diabetes or lung disease, or have an Indigenous background.
“Even in young people who are healthy where only a very small percentage will get severe disease, this small percentage may turn into a large number of sick young people if the total amount of infections rises uncontrollably in the community,” Dr Bird said.
She encouraged people with symptoms – even if they were mild, to get tested and self-isolate.
“COVID-19 is highly infectious and may have an infectious period even before symptoms appear,” Dr Bird warned.
“If you have been tested, you might have COVID-19.
“It is important to act as if you do have COVID-19 until you know for sure that you don’t have it.
“This is the only way we can stop the spread and protect our communities and our economies.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins encouraged everyone to be kind – the motto behind the council’s mid-coronavirus community initiative.
The Be Kind movement is aimed at supporting the community during difficult times by being kind yourself, to others and to businesses.
“It’s about sticking together and looking out for each other,” Cr Higgins said.
“If someone is by themselves then give them a ring.”
He said everyone should stay close to home and warned against travelling to popular spots including the 1000 Steps and Redwood Forest.
“Stay close to home. We don’t need this virus spread,” he said.
Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour urged everyone in the community to follow State 3 “stay at home” restrictions.
“Only leave your home for four possible reasons: shopping for food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise and recreation, study and work – if you can’t do it from home,” Cr Seymour said.
“Keep local. We are being asked to reduce our personal risk to a small, containable geography – our home, our neighbourhood, our municipality.
“Please be part of the solution to flattening the curve, by doing the right things at all times.”
She offered her apologies to the nurses, doctors and frontline coronavirus testers.
“I’m sorry you have been called to shouldering the major burden of our COVID response and acknowledge the toll this must be taking on you and your families,” Cr Seymour said.
“We are so lucky here in Australia to have well trained, experienced and committed health professionals – our saving grace during these challenging times.”
She said saying thank you with words seemed insufficient.
“I hope Victorians will show you with their actions by helping to be part of the solution rather than taking for granted the fact that you do what you do,” Cr Seymour said.
Coronavirus testing is taking place throughout the region at EACH community health provider in Ringwood, Ferntree Gully, Lilydale and Yarra Junction.
Another testing centre also opened on July 13 at the Senior Citizens Hall in Green St in Healesville which is available seven days a week from 9.30am to 4pm.
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