01/06/2020
What's new?
Developments in the outbreak
- Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on 21 June 2020.
- As of 1 June 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,653 which is an increase of four since yesterday.
- Four new cases have been reported. One is linked to known outbreaks, one was detected in hotel quarantine and two were detected from routine testing.
- The total number of cases linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak remains at 111 (unchanged).
- 168 cases have been acquired in Victoria where the source of infection is unknown (no change since yesterday’s report).
- Six people are in hospital, including one person in intensive care.19 people have died. 1,560 people have recovered.
- Of the total 1,653 cases, there have been 1,373 in metropolitan Melbourne and 234 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
- There have been 184 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, no change since yesterday’s report.
- More than 515,000 test results have been received by the department since 1 January 2020.
- Up-to-date epidemiological data is available on our website.
- See the video message from the Chief Health Officer for advice on restrictions, physical distancing and working from home.
Current advice to clinicians
- Current processing time for COVID-19 tests is one to three days.
- People 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 will operate from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, until 5 June 2020.
- 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.
- Applications are open for the Victorian COVID-19 Research Fund, which has been established to support research that directly contributes to the health impact findings of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- An online form is now available for travellers seeking to request a change in mandatory quarantine arrangements due to exceptional circumstances.
Key messages for the community
- Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended to 21 June 2020, but some restrictions have been eased.
- As restrictions ease, it remains important that if you can work from home, you should do so.
- As we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is "stay safe". That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you're unwell.
- More information on current restrictions and how to stay safe can be viewed at Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
More information
Clinical information
Health services and general practice - coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Consumer information
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).
Subscribe now!
Keep informed of emergencies affecting the health sector and critical public health issues impacting your work.
Subscribe now to information including Chief Health Officer updates and emergency advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Follow the Chief Health Officer on Twitter