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Coronavirus COVID-19 daily update

This Chief Health Officer update is intended to provide clinicians and the Victorian public with information about the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria as well as relevant public health response activities in Victoria. Chief Health Officer Alerts will continue to be issued when there are changes to the public health advice related to COVID-19.

25/05/2020

What's new?

Developments in the outbreak

  • As of 25 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,605 which is a net increase of two since yesterday.
  • Both new cases were detected in people who are in hotel quarantine. 
  • The total number of cases linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak remains at 111 (unchanged).
  • 180 cases have been acquired in Victoria of an unknown source of infection, unchanged since yesterday’s report.
  • Eight people are in hospital, including three people in intensive care. 19 people have died. 1,520 people have recovered.
  • Of the total 1,605 cases, there have been 1,330 in metropolitan Melbourne and 234 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.
  • There have been 182 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, unchanged since yesterday’s report.
  • More than 430,000 test results have been received by the department since 1 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.
  • The Victorian Government has announced a gradual easing of restrictions throughout the state from 1 June, including social events, sport, recreation, cafes, restaurants, travel and entertainment.

 

Current advice to clinicians

  • Victoria is aiming to fully resume all elective surgery lists by the end of July 2020. Resuming elective surgery 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. More info: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/clinical-trials-and-research/victorian-covid19-research-fund
  • The following clinical resources have been updated: 
    • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) General practice quick reference guide
    • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Guidelines for health services and general practitioners
    •  Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Infection control guidelines

They can be found on this page: health-services-and-general-practitioners - coronavirus disease (COVID-9)

Key messages for the community

  • Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended to 31 May, but some restrictions have been eased.
  • There are only 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.
  • If you have any symptoms of coronavirus you should get tested.
  • For more information about restrictions and to protect yourself go to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
  • 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

Victoria's restriction levels

World Health Organization - health topic - Coronavirus

Smartraveller website

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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