12/04/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- As of 12 April 2020, Victoria has 1268 total confirmed cases, an increase of 3 since yesterday. 44 people are in hospital, including 16 people in intensive care. 14 people have died. 119 cases have an unknown source of infection, an increase of 1 since yesterday. 1015 people have recovered.
- Of the total 1263 cases, there have been 1015 in metropolitan Melbourne and 234 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
- The total number of cases in Australia is currently 6295. That is expected to increase significantly in coming weeks unless people stay at home.
- There have been 160 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, across at least 7 hospitals and 1 radiology clinic.
- More than 450 people will leave their city hotel in a staged procedure today, following 14 days of mandatory quarantine as returned international travellers.
- The exit from quarantine will be managed to maintain appropriate physical distancing across a large number of people. People are being supported to travel home or on to other states.
- Everyone leaving will undergo health checks and must follow the rules in place for all Victorians; that is to go home and stay home.
- Up-to-date epidemiological data is available on our website.
Current advice to clinicians
- Clinicians are urged to test everyone who meets the case definition; especially close contacts and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There should be no exceptions.
- Please reinforce the advice to Victorians to stay home and stay safe.
- Look for signs of mental distress in your patients and encourage them to take a look at our coronavirus mental health webpage
- Be aware of the increased risk for family violence during this difficult time. Familarise yourself with the services available for your patients.
Key messages
- The rules are clear - and they don’t change over Easter: stay at home.
- This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life.
- Stay home. Protect the health system. Save lives.
- There are only four reasons to leave home:
- shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
- medical, care or compassionate needs
- exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
- work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
Current directions arising from the declared state of emergency
The State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended for another four weeks until midnight 11 May 2020.
The current directions remain in place and include: staying at home, restrictions on particular activities, detention, restrictions on airports and cruise ships, aged care, hospitals and isolation for people diagnosed with COVID-19.
More information viewed at the department’s website. The site also contains a page of frequently asked questions providing further guidance on the directions.
More information
Clinical information
Health services and general practice - coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Consumer information
About Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information for the general public
World Health Organization - health topic - Coronavirus
Contacts
A public information hotline is provided by Health Direct – 1800 675 398.
Medical practitioners needing clinical information or to notify suspected or confirmed cases can contact the Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Diseases Section on 1300 651 160 (24 hours).
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