19/05/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- As of 19 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,573, a net increase of six since yesterday.
- Of the seven new confirmed cases, one is associated with the Cedar Meats outbreak, one is associated with the Lynden Aged Care outbreak, one was detected in mandatory hotel quarantine, two are household contacts, one was detected from asymptomatic testing and one case was reclassified due to duplication.
- 165 cases have an unknown source of infection, an increase of four since yesterday.
- 11 people are in hospital, including five people in intensive care. 18 people have died.
- Of the total 1,573 cases, there have been 1,301 in metropolitan Melbourne and 231 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
- There have been 178 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, a decrease of two since Sunday’s report due to reclassification.
- More than 358,000 tests have been received by the department since 01 January 2020.
- Up-to-date epidemiological data is available on our website.
- Victoria’s state of emergency has been extended until 11.59 pm on Sunday 31 May. New Directions were issued at 11.59 pm Tuesday 12 May with some restrictions eased.
- Members of the public who have been tested at a metropolitan retail testing site can call the dedicated Onsite Doctor Results Hotline on 03 8669 0255 if they have been waiting more than five days for results. This hotline opened on 18 May 2020 and will operate from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, until 5 June 2020 inclusive.
Current advice to clinicians
- Victoria is aiming to fully resume all elective surgery lists by the end of July 2020. Resuming the elective surgery blitz that was paused in early 2020 will then be considered.
- Due to the current high volume of COVID-19 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.
- All Victorian school staff with or without symptoms can access tests through the Victorian School Staff Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing Scheme until 26 May 2020. More information on this scheme is available on the Education sector - coronavirus disease (COVID-19) page.
Key messages for the community
The 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 your coronavirus (COVID-19) questions answered
- 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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