More than 509,000 Victorians have been tested for coronavirus as the Health Minister announces the state of emergency has been extended by three weeks until June 21.
Key points:
- There was a net increase of four new cases of COVID-19, including new cases linked to outbreaks at the Rydges hotel and a family group at Keilor Downs
- Victoria's state of emergency has been extended by three weeks to ensure the new restrictions that come into effect on Monday can be enforced
- Up to 100 students in Melbourne's west are in isolation following exposure to a positive case linked to the Keilor Downs cluster
The number of people infected with coronavirus linked to a cluster in Keilor Downs, in Melbourne's west, has risen by two overnight.
It takes the total number of people linked to the family cluster to 13.
The two cases are from the original household and have been in self-isolation for the past two weeks.
One additional case has been linked to the outbreak at Rydges on Swanston, bringing the total cases linked to the hotel to seven.
There was a net increase of four cases identified taking the total number of confirmed cases to 1,649.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the state of emergency, which will now expire at 11:59pm on June 21, was extended to give the Chief Health Officer the powers needed to enforce new restrictions that come into effect on Monday.
"It'll mean the legal directions we've had in operation will be issued from tomorrow to give effect to regulations relating to mass gatherings and the changes that will allow for example up to 20 people to be in a gathering in a private home," she said.
"It's really important that Victorians understand this pandemic is not over.
"The virus is still with us. It is highly contagious. It's important that we take it seriously."
Victorians told to 'use common sense'
From tomorrow up to 20 people will be allowed to gather at homes. That rule will also apply to indoor and outdoor gatherings in public spaces.
Beauty, tanning and nail salons will be allowed to reopen as will public playgrounds and outdoor gyms.
Restaurants and cafes can open for up to 20 patrons, subject to physical-distancing rules.
Ms Mikakos warned there were risks involved in the easing of restrictions and the largest outbreaks seen so far had been from social gatherings.
"It's been the birthday parties, the weddings, it's been family groups coming together for a dinner, going out to a restaurant for dinner," she said.
"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do it," she said.
"Our message from tomorrow will be: stay safe, exercise common sense."
Keilor Downs cluster sends more students into self-isolation
A student from St Albans Secondary College has tested positive for COVID-19 after coming into close contact with a student from Keilor Downs College
Eighty students who attend Keilor Downs Secondary College and St Albans Secondary College are now self-isolating.
Students from the schools attended a VET class together last week.
According to internal emails seen by the ABC, St Albans Secondary College does not need to close.
Another 20 students from Holy Eucharist Primary School are also in self-isolation after a student, who was a close contact with someone in the Keilor Downs cluster, tested positive.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaleise van Dieman said genomic testing was underway to find out if the Keilor Downs outbreak was linked to the one at Cedar Meats in Brooklyn — a cluster of 111 cases of coronavirus.
She said how the Keilor Downs family became unwell was unknown at this stage.
A new testing facility was set up on Saturday at the Keilor Library and about 150 people got tested in their cars.
Dr van Dieman continued to urge anyone in the area with symptoms to get tested.
On Saturday, Victoria Police shut down popular state parks including the 1,000 steps walking track and the Redwood Forest at Warburton, after it was determined too many people were not adhering to physical distancing protocols.
If there's overcrowding, leave
Dr van Dieman said it was disappointing the parks had to close.
"If you get somewhere and there's a lot of people choose an alternate location and avoid crowding," she said.
Ms Mikakos also warned Victoria Police would continue to issue fines if breaches of the new restrictions occurred.
"We don't want to see people being fined, we want everyone to embrace these legal directions," she said.
Ms Mikakos urged people to go home or go elsewhere if they turned up to a park or shopping centre where there were large crowds.
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2020-05-31 04:44:32Z
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