23/05/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- As of 23 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,602, a net increase of nine since yesterday.
- Of the 10 new confirmed cases, none are associated with the Cedar Meats outbreak, the total number of cases for this cluster remains at 111. Four cases were detected in returned travellers in hotel quarantine, three cases were detected through community testing, and three other cases are under investigation (one case was reclassified).
- 171 cases have an unknown source of infection, unchanged since yesterday.
- Nine people are in hospital, including three people in intensive care. 19 people have died. 1,484 people have recovered.
- Of the total 1,602 cases, there have been 1,330 in metropolitan Melbourne and 232 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
- There have been 181 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, unchanged since yesterday’s report.
- More than 398,500 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 11.59pm on Sunday 31 May. New Directions were issued at 11.59pm 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, 9am to 5pm, 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 confirmed cases can contact the Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Diseases Section on 1300 651 160 (24 hours).
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