Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the latest COVID-19 statistics, with 459 new cases recorded in the state over the past 24 hours.
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In what has become the state's deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic, there were 10 deaths including the state's youngest victim so far, a man in his 40s.
Victims included seven men aged from their 40s to 80s, and three women in their 70s and 80s.
Seven of the deaths were linked to aged care outbreaks.
There has now been three weeks with more than triple-digit new cases every day.
In the daily media conference today, Premier Andrews announced there had been 42,973 tests in the past 24 hours, the biggest day of testing so far and thanked Victorians for their efforts.
"It's by far and away the biggest testing result seen on a single day. That is a very impressive effort and we are very grateful to each and every Victorian who has come forward to get tested, which is critical to tracking this virus."
That is a very impressive effort and we are very grateful to each and every Victorian who has come forward to get tested, which is critical to tracking this virus.
- Premier Andrews
The 459 cases confirmed yesterday takes Victoria to 8181 cases in total, with 4233 of those currently being active.
There are now 228 people in hospitals across Victoria, with 42 in intensive care.
Mr Andrews expressed concern about the 560 active cases in aged care settings and 381 active cases among health care workers across the state.
"That's a significant challenge given whilst we have overall capacity and have worked very hard throughout the year to grow the number of people who can be available to fight the virus in a clinical sense, whenever we have clinical staff and other critical workers ... (with) active cases that puts additional pressure on the system."
Mr Andrews also announced 20 Australian Defence Force personnel would begin training with Ambulance Victoria on Monday to work alongside AV paramedics to increase the ambulance service's ability to respond to calls and provide a buffer if AV staff test positive or must quarantine.
The number of ADF personnel being training will increase to around 150 over the next 10 days.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Premier Andrews once again encouraged people to get tested - even if they have only mild symptoms.
The new statistics still indicate a concerning level of community transmission.
The breakdown of cases by local government area will be sent out later today.
Currently the Ballarat municipality has 11 active cases with one new case added to the tally on Saturday. There were none registered until July 17 when Ballarat registered its first positive COVID case since mid-May. Numbers increased steadily after that first case.
In recent days, concerns have been raised over contact tracing and planning to manage for outbreaks in aged care homes.
MORE ON CORONVIRUS
Stage 3 "Stay at Home" restrictions remain in force across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
There are only four reasons for people to leave their homes: shopping for food and essential items; care and caregiving; daily exercise; and work and study.
WHERE TO TAKE A COVID-19 TEST IN BALLARAT
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
- There is now a testing site at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in the CBD. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
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- Lifeline 13 11 14
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- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
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- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECTVeterans support: If you or someone you know needs support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au
- For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (noon to 10pm)
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