Coronavirus Victoria: Infections rise to 331, 19 new deaths
Victorian coronavirus cases have risen to 331, with 19 lives also lost overnight, taking the total number of infections to more than 15,000.
Victoria has recorded 331 new cases of coronavirus, taking the state’s total to more than 15,200.
Nineteen more people have died from the virus – equal to the state’s deadliest day – with the Victorian death toll rising to 248.
The number of active cases in Victoria is about 8000 with more than 1000 active infections among healthcare workers and at least 1700 cases connected to aged-care facilities.
The new daily figures were announced by the Department of Health and Human Services over Twitter on Tuesday morning.
More details on Tuesday’s new cases are expected later at the Premier’s daily media briefing.
New virus infections have risen slightly after Monday’s increase of 322, which was the lowest daily increase in Victoria since July 29.
Daily case numbers have dropped significantly since Thursday’s record of 725, but deaths from the virus continue to rise with a record 19 deaths reported on Monday.
Professor Michael Kidd said Monday’s 19 deaths in Victoria was the single deadliest figure in one day across the state and the country, bringing the country’s death toll to 313.
“Only 10 days ago the number of people who died passed 200 and now its passed 300,” he said.
“This is an agonising day for the family members of those 19 people who have lost a loved one today.”
Prof Kidd said the recent decrease of coronavirus cases in Victoria was a positive sign but warned it was “too early” to be certain about a further drop.
The Victorian Government on Monday announced it would roll out an emotional advertising campaign to encourage residents to comply with the stage four lockdown.
The new ads unveiled on Monday tell the confronting stories of people who caught the virus, including a middle-aged mother who thought she would die.
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