18/08/2020
What's new?
- As of 18 August 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 17,238.
- 222 new cases have been diagnosed since yesterday.
- Of the new cases, 54 are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 168 are under investigation.
- There are 3,669 cases that may indicate community transmission. This is an increase of 43 since yesterday’s report.
- 665 people are in hospital. This includes 45 patients in intensive care.
- Sadly, there have been 17 new deaths reported since yesterday. To date, 351 people have died from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria.
- There are 7,274 cases currently active in Victoria. 9,413 people have recovered.
- A total of 1,992,725 tests results have been received. This is an increase of approximately 17,695 since yesterday.
- You can find further details in today’s coronavirus (COVID-19) media release.
- The DHHS website has up-to-date epidemiological data available.
Current advice to clinicians
- Information for healthcare workers about priority testing and other supports and assistance is on the DHHS website. This includes advice on self-isolation, quarantine and emergency accommodation.
- It is now a requirement that staff who are directly involved in treating patients must wear eye protection. The DHHS website has more information on personal protective equipment.
- Practitioners should 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, anosmia or loss of smell or loss of taste)
Note: testing is also recommended for people with new onset of other clinical symptoms consistent with coronavirus (COVID-19)** AND who are close contacts of a confirmed case of coronavirus (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 coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, a list of testing locations can be found on the getting tested for coronavirus page.
- The Department of Health and Human Services will continue distributing masks to eligible Victorians. General practices can place orders for these masks. More information is available on the reusable face masks page.
Victoria's restriction levels
- Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on Sunday 13 September 2020.
- Victoria entered a State of Disaster at 6pm on Sunday 2 August. It will be in place until Sunday 13 September. This gives police more powers to make sure people are complying with public health directions.
- Melbourne moved to Stage 4 restrictions on Sunday 2 August 2020.
- A curfew is in place for Melbourne from 8pm to 5am. The only reasons to leave home during these times are for work, medical care and caregiving.
- Employers must issue a permitted worker permit to each of their staff members that are required to attend a work site. .
- Regional Victoria moved to Stage 3 restrictions on 5 August 2020.
- All Victorians must now wear a face covering when leaving home. The DHHS website has more information on face masks and coverings.
Key messages for the community
- All Victorians, including those in regional locations, with even the mildest of symptoms are encouraged to get tested.
- Stay home and get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) no matter how mild: including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of smell or taste. Go home straight after your test and self-isolate while you wait for the results. Go to the DHHS testing map for locations.
- Wear a face mask or covering when you leave home, unless a lawful exception applies.
- This is a difficult and uncertain time for all so support is vital and available. For more information on managing stress and support options, call the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Services on 1800 512 348.
- Financial support is also available. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment is being increased to $450. You can find more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation and Worker Support Payments on our website.
- Check our website for information and advice about current restriction levels in place including where stage 4, stage 3 and stage 2 restricted areas are, and the updated directions.
- The ‘Partners in Wellbeing’ hotline has extended their operating hours to 10pm on weekdays. Additional support for business owners is now available through access to business advisors and financial counsellors. The hotline number is 1300 375 330.
- A factsheet on how to ‘Reduce your risk of coronavirus (COVID-19)’, has been translated into 49 languages and is on our website . A video from the Chief Health Officer showing our community ‘how to safely wear a mask’ has been dubbed into a variety of languages for the public.
Clinical information
Latest coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Victorian health services and general practice.
Latest information about providing immunisation services during Coronavirus Pandemic.
Consumer information
Financial support – for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Translated resources in over 50 languages
Victoria's current restrictions
Latest coronavirus information from the World Health Organization
Latest travel advice from Smartraveller
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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