The new case total continued to trend in the right direction in Victoria, with just 12 new cases reported on Thursday.
To put things into perspective, this time last week the state reported 42 new cases (71% more) and this time last month, the state reported 116 new cases (89% more).
It wasn’t all good news however, with two more deaths reported.
These were confirmed as two women in their 80s – both aged care residents.
Metro Melbourne’s 14-day average continued to decrease, down to 26.7 from 29.4 on Wednesday.
In total, there were 532 active cases in the state, with 274 (51%) linked to aged care.
The major aged care outbreaks include:
- 256 cases linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee (no new cases since Wednesday)
- 219 cases linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping (no new cases since Thursday last week)
- 216 cases linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged (no new cases since Tuesday)
- 166 cases linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Ardeer (no new cases since Monday last week)
- 140 cases linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth (no new cases since Thursday last week)
- 131 cases have been linked to BlueCross Ruckers Hill Aged Care Facility in Northcote (no new cases since Tuesday)
- 127 cases linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir (one less case since Wednesday)
- 124 cases linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care Facility in Sunshine North (no new cases since Monday last week)
- 122 cases linked to Japara Goonawarra Aged Care Facility in Sunbury (no new cases since Tuesday)
There are 67 Victorians in hospital, with eight in ICU and six on a ventilator.
Sunday earmarked for easing of lockdown – but not a day of “massive steps”
In his daily briefing, Premier Daniel Andrews said the state would err on the side of caution when stepping out of restrictions, despite the positive results.
“The strategy is working, we are well on track on Sunday to make some further announcements and I’d just wanted to make the point that Sunday will not be a day of massive steps, the roadmap does not speak to that, it is not a day when we essentially through the doors open,” he said.
“We have got to be safe, steady and cautious, otherwise those new settings simply will not last.”
