THE total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1,336 – no net increase from yesterday.
While two new cases were added yesterday, two existing cases were reclassified to another state as per national protocols – meaning the overall number of cases has not changed.
Macedon Ranges now has seven cases, while Mitchell Shire has nine and City of Whittlesea have 22.
There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 15 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
The State Government will introduce the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020 in Parliament tomorrow which sets out a range of temporary changes.
These changes include the protection of tenants and injured workers and to allow vital government functions to continue operating in line with social distancing and other requirements advised by the Chief Health Officer.
The bill will enshrine National Cabinet announcements made last week, meaning there will be a temporary ban on rental evictions and rent increases.
“With this Bill, we’ll enact the tenancy reforms announced last week – and give landlords and tenants the support they deserve,”Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz said.
The related land tax relief for landlords will be implemented through a separate Appropriation Bill.
The new legislation also amends the Local Government Act 2020 to allow virtual meetings for local councils.
“This simple yet important change will enable councils to continue to represent their communities and make critical decisions about the future,” Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said.
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the return of Parliament tomorrow was welcomed, to ensure the scrutiny of the government.
She said she would also use the opportunity to draw attention to projects in her region of northern Victoria, including the full diamond interchange at Watson Street and Hume Freeway Wallan, the Whittlesea Police Station refurbishment and the business case for the Mernda Health and Wellbeing Hub.
“The Andrews Labor Government must deliver the funding to complete vital projects throughout my electorate, investments that are crucial to the economic recovery of our region following the COVID-19 lockdown,” Ms Lovell said
