Victoria records 25 coronavirus deaths on deadliest day of pandemic so far

Australia has suffered another grim coronavirus milestone, with Victoria announcing a record 25 deaths in one day.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Monday, August 17, 2020. Victoria has recorded 282 new coronavirus cases and 25 deaths overnight. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media. Source: AAP

Victoria has reported a record 25 further coronavirus deaths, taking the state's toll to 334 and the national figure to 421.

There were 282 new cases of COVID-19 announced on Monday, as the Victorian outbreak continued to show signs of easing.

Currently, 657 Victorians are in hospital, with 44 in intensive care and 32 of those requiring ventilation.

Of the most recent fatalities, 22 are linked to outbreaks in aged care facilities.

"Our thoughts and best wishes and our prayers and support go out to all of those families," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
The premier said the continuing decline in new infections is promising, but urged Victorians to remain vigilant.

"We just can't allow any sense of complacency to creep in here," he said.

"This is an ultra marathon, and we just have to keep pushing forward each and every day and I think Victorians will do that."

Recent doorknocking efforts have found fewer people were breaking self-isolation orders by leaving their homes.

"I'm pleased to say, there's a falling number of people, a decreasing number of people, that we can't make contact with for whatever reason," Mr Andrews said.

"Literally thousands and thousands of doors become knocked on now. That's what really opens it all up."
Victorian officials are working to better understand COVID-19 infection rates among the state's health workforce as more public sector nurses are deployed in aged care homes to cope with rising cases.

The premier confirmed at least 2,009 active cases linked to 114 outbreaks across the sector.

Mr Andrews has previously said details should be released early this week to answer some fundamental questions in relation to health staff, including some breakdown on which workers were most at risk and why.

On the latest figures, 1064 health care workers are dealing with the virus.



"More and more teams of nurses from hospitals are sent into private aged care facilities to support residents and support that sector, and I'm very, very grateful to those hospital nurses for the outstanding job they're doing," Mr Andrews said. 

The number of cases diagnosed in regional areas of Victoria has also fallen but the premier urged residents - particularly in major centres like Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat - to get tested if they have symptoms.

Domestic violence support boost

Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams has also announced an additional $20 million of funding to assist domestic violence services.

The investment will be targeted at moving perpetrators of family violence into alternative accommodation, to ensure victims and survivors are able to stay in their own homes during the pandemic.

Victoria's Men's Referral Service, which assists those concerned about their own behaviour, has reported an 11 per cent increase in calls compared to the same period last year.

“That stability of being able to stay in your own home can be absolutely critical for many families,” Ms Williams said.
"Paving the way for perpetrators to be moved out of the home is a really significant and helpful development to those experiencing family violence."

“I also want to be clear: even with Stay at Home restrictions in place, if you need to leave a violent situation, you can, and you will not be fined.”

The additional funding is expected to help about 1500 people, with dedicated support for adolescents using funding and their families.

Support services will also receive increased funding to help in the provision of care while stay at home restrictions are in force.

The Victorian government has also intervened to begin moving residents at an inner-suburban Melbourne special accommodation facility were being moved to hospitals because of a virus outbreak.

The Hambleton House facility in Albert Park has had security staff stationed outside because of concerns residents were walking nearby streets without face masks.
A security guard is seen outside of Hambleton House in Melbourne, Monday, August 17, 2020.
A security guard is seen outside of Hambleton House in Melbourne, Monday, August 17, 2020. Source: AAP
Hambleton House is a 34-bed facility for residents with mental health problems or behavioural issues.

Mr Andrews said 10 residents have already been moved into new accommodation, with another 12 to be relocated today.

"Every effort is being made to try and bring a sense of control to that and to make sure that people are not only cared for appropriately but that their care, their behavior, doesn't have a negative impact on public health," Mr Andrews said, adding police were now on site.

"There's some very very complex needs amongst those residents. And we're doing our very best to try and make sure that we meet those needs."

If you or someone you know is impacted by family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.

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Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am. During the curfew, people in Melbourne can only leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.

Between 5am and 8pm, people in Melbourne can leave the home for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative.

All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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6 min read
Published 17 August 2020 9:03am
Updated 17 August 2020 1:06pm
Source: AAP, SBS



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