15/05/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- As of 15 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,543, an increase of 20 since yesterday.
- 154 cases have an unknown source of infection, a decrease of 10 since yesterday. Victoria has had four days without any growth in community transmission despite a significant increase in testing, which is a positive sign that the spread of the virus is slowing in the community.
- Nine people are in hospital, including seven people in intensive care. 18 people have died.
- There are currently 112 active cases in Victoria, a decrease of seven since yesterday, and 1,407 people have recovered, an increase of 22 since yesterday.
- More than 309,000 tests have been processed to date, an increase of more than 20,000 since yesterday.
- Of the total 1,543 cases, there have been 1,277 in metropolitan Melbourne and 227 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 were issued at 11.59pm Tuesday 12 May with some restrictions eased.
Current advice to clinicians
- Due to the high volume of tests being processed, results may take longer than usual, up to five 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
- Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended to 31 May, but some restrictions have been eased.
- There are now 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 information about the gradual easing of restrictions.
- 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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