Young adults blamed for rapid rise in Victoria’s coronavirus cases

Young adults in their 20s and 30s account for a third of cases in Victoria’s latest coronavirus spike, prompting a warning from the state’s chief health officer.

A COVID-19 testing blitz is unde rway in at least 10 suburbs across Melbourne’s north and west. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Health authorities in Victoria have been quick to blame young people for the state’s rapid spike in COVID-19 cases, claiming they have ignored restrictions.

According to the latest figures, adults in their 20s and 30s represent about a third of the state’s second-spike caseload compared with the first wave.

Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton has pointed the finger at asymptomatic people younger than 40 who he believes are likely responsible for spreading the virus.

He explained this age bracket was more likely to experience mild cold and flu-like symptoms.

“It is hard to get in there with a message to people who suffer more mild illness,” Mr Sutton said.

“But I would say to anyone who is young, from teenager to 20s or 30s, don’t just think about your family, think about what this might mean in terms of transmission through your entire community and what the consequences might be for those who are most at risk.”

Professor Brett Sutton, Victoria's chief health officer, believes people younger than 40 are responsible for spreading the virus. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

The spike in cases has prompted Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to consider placing hotspot suburbs into lockdown.

While addressing the media on Sunday, Mr Andrews said easing restrictions further would not happen until the state gets on top of the new spike in cases.

“We will get to a point, once we get on top of this, where there can be further opening up,’’ he said.

“But every day where even small numbers of people do the wrong thing puts that opening up at risk, and it certainly puts it further away.‘’

COVID-19 testing in Broadmeadows, one of the state’s coronavirus hotspots. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

A national coronavirus snapshot shows many of the cases fall in the 20-29 years age bracket. Picture: Australian Department of Health

Defence Force personnel have since been deployed to Victoria to assist with large-scale testing.

Mr Andrews said a large number of new cases could be linked to outbreaks within big family groups in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

Health authorities have kicked off a testing blitz in those problem areas and will be doorknocking homes to offer tests whether or not residents have symptoms of COVID-19.

“Everyone is deeply frustrated,” the Premier said, before urging Victorians to do the right thing.

The update comes as the Victorian Government announced plans to roll out a new saliva test today that is said to be far less invasive than the traditional nasopharyngeal test for coronavirus.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the new saliva test would be less invasive. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The new test can be self-administered. For instance, all a patient has to do is place their saliva in a cup.

However, Mr Andrews said it wouldn’t completely replace the current test or change the amount of time it takes the laboratory to analyse it, but it will reduce the time it takes to get the test done.