Coronavirus Victoria: Infections rise by 410, 21 new deaths

Victorian coronavirus cases have risen by 410, with 21 lives also lost overnight, taking the total number of infections to more than 15,500.

Victoria has recorded 410 new cases of coronavirus, taking the state’s total to more than 15,500.

Twenty-one more people have died from the virus – which is now the state’s deadliest day – with the Victorian death toll rising to 267.

The number of active cases in Victoria is about 7900 with more than 1000 active infections among healthcare workers and at least 1800 cases connected to aged-care facilities.

The new daily figures were announced by the Department of Health and Human Services over Twitter on Wednesday morning.

More details on Wednesday’s new cases are expected later at the Premier’s daily media briefing.

New virus infections have risen again after Monday’s increase of 322, which was the lowest daily increase in Victoria since July 29, and Tuesday’s rise of 331.

Daily case numbers have dropped significantly since Thursday’s record of 725, but deaths from the virus continue to rise with a then record 19 deaths reported on both Monday and Tuesday.

A man decontaminates the steps of the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Melbourne after a young woman who walked out was taken away by paramedics. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Ian Currie

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said there were signs the stage-four lockdown was working, with movement across the city rapidly decreasing.

He said Melbourne’s transport network usage had reduced by 90 per cent since last week.

“All experts remain convinced and very confident as we adjust into the early parts of the second week of stage four that we’ll continue to see numbers coming down – exactly how long that takes only time will tell,” he said.

The Premier also announced more support for metropolitan and regional businesses to help get them through the pandemic.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on his way into a press conference to announce the latest COVID-19 infection numbers. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Ian Currie

Payments of additional $5000 grants for 24,000 eligible businesses – totalling $120 million – started on Monday, with applications for regional businesses opening last Friday.

The extension means eligible businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire may receive a total of $20,000 through the Business Support Fund, while regional businesses may receive $15,000.

“We want businesses to survive this pandemic – we can’t get to that point unless we all play a part in making this strategy work, but we will continue to support businesses to the other side,” Mr Andrews said.

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