Knox coronavirus cases revealed by government data as community urged to stay home
DAILY UPDATE: Coronavirus cases appear to have steadied in Knox and neighbouring communities, but authorities are warning people not to become complacent. Find out how your area is being impacted.
Outer East
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UPDATED: There were no new reported cases of coronavirus in Knox in the last 24 hours.
The latest Department of Health data indicates there are 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Knox.
And the message appears to be resonating through Melbourne’s outer east, with neighbours Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges also reporting no new cases of the deadly virus yesterday.
Maroondah has 10, Whitehorse has 22, Yarra Ranges has 21.
Stonnington in Melbourne’s inner east remains the city’s coronavirus hotspot, with 88 cases.
Relief is coming for the Knox community amid the coronavirus pandemic with interest to be waived on late rates payments.
The council has put in place the first of a series of measures to relieve pressure and lessen financial impact on the community and businesses.
This comes as rates of coronavirus remain steady across the municipality – there are still only 12 people diagnosed with the highly contagious disease.
COVID-19: MORE THAN 40 CASES OF CORONAVIRUS IN OUTER EAST
Department of Health data has revealed cases of coronavirus have risen in neighbouring community of Yarra Ranges, 21, Maroondah, nine, Whitehorse, 21, and Monash, 40.
Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour said the council was announcing what would likely be the first of several packages responding to the short, medium and long term effects of the situation.
“In the first instance we’ve targeted relief at a grassroots level to provide support where there is none yet being offered by state or federal governments,” Cr Seymour said.
The package includes the cancellation of interest on any late payments made on rates from March 31 to June 30.
The council has also reviewed its hardship policy rates payments and developed a Community Relief Plan to compliment state and federal government support measures.
Refunds will be given to businesses who have paid for outdoor dining permits and A-frame signage and new application fees waived for the same period.
Fees will also be waived for all non-profit community organisations that hire or lease council centres for the remainder of the financial year.
Knox Basketball’s annual fee towards the renewal of stadium will be waived for the remainder of the financial year.
CORONAVIRUS CASES CLUSTER IN WEALTHIER SUBURBS
Cr Seymour said possible extensions of these beyond the end of financial year would form part of council’s budget deliberations.
She said the coronavirus was an unprecedented crisis, which presented complex and unpredictable challenges.
“The impact of COVID-19 on the Knox community is significant for our health, wellbeing and economy,” Cr Seymour said.
“Knox has a diverse range of industries, with many businesses immediately vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19. In the long term, no doubt even more will be affected.”
She said the council had prioritised the ongoing delivery of essential services to support vulnerable and elderly residents, and had been putting in place measures to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of the community and staff.
“These times are unlike anything we have ever had to deal with before. The restrictions are vital to maintain public health, but the changes to the way we live and work are testing our resolve and resilience.
Last week neither the DHHS or Eastern Health could confirm whether either Maroondah Hospital or the Angliss in Upper Ferntree Gully would become coronavirus testing centre.
Cr Seymour said her message to the community was to focus on avoiding the opportunity for community to community transmission of the virus.
“That means minimise going out of your homes if you don’t need to,” Cr Seymour said.
“Pop in and pop out and do what you have to do within 30 minutes – do what you need and get out.”
She advised minimising exposure to other people and potentially contaminated surfaces.
“Be really sensible, mindful and considerate,” Cr Seymour said.
Eastern Health chief medical officer Alison Dwyer said coronavirus was “like nothing” health services have ever dealt with before.
“Eastern Health prides itself on providing great care, everywhere, every time,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Like all services, we find ourselves in uncharted waters and are constantly monitoring the needs of our community and making decisions in line with Federal and State Government recommendations.”
She said expert clinicians were guiding the healthcare provider’s decisions, in-line with DHHS advice.
“Our dedicated and compassionate medical, nursing and allied health staff are well trained, and continue to provide the care that is required for each and every patient at Eastern Health,” Ms Dwyer said.
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A 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.”