Melton coronavirus: COVID-19 cases recorded

Melton coronavirus cases continue to surge according to new health data and Premier Dan Andrews has refused to rule out harsher lockdown restrictions. SEE THE FIGURES.

Melton has recorded more coronavirus cases following a horror week across the state. Picture: GENERIC

Virus cases in Melton have jumped to more than 160 infections despite strict lockdown restrictions in place for more than two weeks.

As of Friday, 169 cases were detected across the municipality, up from 106 a week earlier, according to new Department of Health and Human Services figures.

Abattoirs and nursing homes continue to be a source of key outbreak clusters in the western suburbs, with 112 cases linked to outbreaks at Estia Health and Glendale Aged Care in the municipalities of Brimbank and Wyndham.

At least 136 active virus cases have also been linked to two abattoirs, JBS in Brooklyn and Somerville Retail Services in Tottenham.

Masks are also now compulsory across the municipality as well as the rest of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, with anyone seen by police outdoors not wearing a mask liable to be slapped with a $200 fine.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said stay at home stage three restrictions were still in force, and Premier Dan Andrews has this week refused to rule out a move to stage four restrictions if the number of new virus cases does not slow.

Graph courtesy of: covid19data.com.au

Prof Sutton said the current stay at home restrictions, which permit people to leave their homes for four reasons including care and care giving, exercise, and work or study if it can’t be done from home, were absolutely necessary to control the virus.

“These restrictions have become necessary because of the sharp increase in cases,” he said.

“These are tough measures but the virus is not selective, it will impact anyone it encounters and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission. We need everyone to do their part and ensure it is stopped in its tracks.”

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