12/05/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- As of 12 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,509, an increase of 15 since yesterday.
- The new confirmed cases include 8 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at a Melbourne meat processing facility, taking the total number of cases in this cluster to 85.
- 164 cases have an unknown source of infection, an increase of 3 since yesterday.
- 8 people are in hospital, including 4 people in intensive care. 18 people have died.
- There are currently 114 active cases in Victoria, and 1,376 people have recovered
- To date, over 258,000 tests have been performed in Victoria, with many more samples still being processed as part of the state’s testing blitz.
- Of the total 1,509 cases, there have been 1,247 in metropolitan Melbourne and 224 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
- There have been 177 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, with no change since yesterday’s report.
- Up-to-date epidemiological data is available on our website.
- Victoria’s state of emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on Sunday 31 May. New Directions will be issued at 11.59pm Tuesday 12 May with restrictions gradually eased.
Current advice to clinicians
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The Commonwealth Department of Health has engaged Sonic Healthcare (Melbourne Pathology in Victoria) to provide a rapid in-reach sample collection and testing pathology service for all residential aged care facilities.
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The service will:
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Receive and prioritise requests for COVID-19 testing of residents and/or staff of a residential aged care facility
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Arrange for a specialised COVID-19 pathology collector to attend a facility and return the sample to the laboratory for immediate testing
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Provide results by phone to the referring doctor and registered nurse attached to the facility within 24 hours for metropolitan areas or 48 hours for regional areas, and
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If a result is positive, send a specialised COVID-19 collection team to collect samples from all staff and residents.
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- There is a dedicated toll-free number -1800 570 573 - operating from 8am to 6pm that all residential aged care facilities can contact to arrange priority testing for residents and staff.
- Due to the high volume of tests being processed, results may take longer than usual, up to 5 days
- Practitioners are encouraged to test any patients who meet the clinical criteria below:
Fever OR chills in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that explains the clinical presentation*
OR
Acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or anosmia)
Note: In addition, testing is recommended for people with new onset of other clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19** AND who are close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19; who have returned from overseas in the past 14 days; or who are healthcare or aged care workers.
*Clinical discretion applies including consideration of the potential for co-infection (e.g. concurrent infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza)
**headache, myalgia, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- If referring your patients for COVID-19 testing, a list of testing locations can be found on the getting tested for coronavirus page.
Key messages for the community
- Stage 3 restrictions are still in place, but some changes will be occurring from 11.59pm tonight.
- From 11:59pm tonight, there will be five reasons to leave your home:
- Shopping for food and supplies that you need
- Care and caregiving
- Exercise and outdoor recreation
- Work and education – if you can’t do it from home
- Visiting friends and family – if you really need to.
- For more information, see: gradual-easing-restrictions-covid-19.
- Staying apart keeps protecting the health system and saves lives.
- Protect yourself from coronavirus (COVID-19) by washing your hands regularly with soap and water; and try not to touch your face, including your eyes, nose or mouth.
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
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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