That represents nearly a 40 per cent increase on the previous days figure.
Victoria had seen active cases down to just 52 last week.
This cluster is a good example of why it is important to keep adhering to government guidelines even when it does appear we are over the worst of it.
It just takes one infected person, in close proximity to others to cause a spike.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria is now 1406.
There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 18 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.The total number of cases is made up of 735 men and 671 women, with people aged from babies to their early nineties.
There are 143 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission.
Currently 11 people are in hospital, including six patients in intensive care, and 1310 people have recovered.
More than 146 500 tests had been completed by Saturday, May 2 with many more samples being processed.
Of the total 1406 cases, there have been 1150 in metropolitan Melbourne and 218 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.
The new confirmed cases included:
- Nineteen new cases of COVID-19 at a Melbourne meat processing facility, taking the total number of cases in this cluster to 34. The department is working closely with the company, which agreed to close their facility for 14 days as a precaution to ensure all required steps are taken, including a thorough cleaning process. All staff have been tested or are in the process of being tested. All staff are being provided with further information about potential exposure to coronavirus in the workplace, symptoms and quarantine requirements; and
- Two cases of returned travelers in hotel quarantine.
“Today’s increase in cases illustrates once again that while we have been flattening the curve, our battle against COVID-19 is far from over,” said Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton.
“Victorians have done a remarkable job so far sticking to the coronavirus restrictions and staying at home has saved lives. But now is not the time for complacency.”
“Up to 100 000 Victorians will be tested for coronavirus during these two weeks as part of a major testing blitz across the state,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said.
“The main aim of this increase in testing is to improve access and actively search for cases, allowing us to gain a better picture of this virus and make informed decisions for Victoria.
“We are asking Victorians to again play their part and get tested if they have symptoms, because the more tests we do, the more data we have about the prevalence of coronavirus in the community.
“People with common symptoms of coronavirus including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell – however mild – are encouraged to get tested.”
There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.
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