Coronavirus COVID-19 daily update

26/05/2020

What's new?

Developments in the outbreak

• As of 26 May 2020, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,610 which is a net increase of five since yesterday.
• Three new cases were detected in people who are in hotel quarantine; one linked to the Hammond Aged Care outbreak and one detected from routine testing.
• The total number of cases linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak remains at 111 (unchanged).
• 182 cases have been acquired in Victoria of an unknown source of infection, an increase of 2 since yesterday’s report.
• Eight people are in hospital, including three people in intensive care. 19 people have died. 1,533 people have recovered.
• Of the total 1,610 cases, there have been 1,333 in metropolitan Melbourne and 236 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 437,000 test results have been received by the department since 1 January 2020 (an increase of 5,528 since yesterday’s report).
• 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 the gradual easing of restrictions throughout the state from 1 June and 22 June, including social events, sport, recreation, cafes, restaurants, travel and entertainment. Visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19 for more information.

Current advice to clinicians

• 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.
• 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 can be found on the Health Vic page.
• The ‘Guide to PPE items and levels of protection’ has been updated. This guidance and the most up to date clinical resources can be found on the Health services and general practice - coronavirus disease (COVID-19) page.
• Over 15,000 expressions of interests were received for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Workforce Response. The portal is now closed to further expressions of interest. For further information please visit https://healthworkforceresponse.dhhs.vic.gov.au/.

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.
• Right now there are stilll 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.
• Our message to Victorians remains the same – if you can stay at home, you must stay at home.

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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