REGIONAL Victoria’s COVID-19 cases are ‘relatively stable’ according to Premier Daniel Andrews as he announced yesterday there were about 500 cases outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
Mr Andrews announced an increase of 322 cases since Sunday, and 18 deaths – 14 of which were aged care related.
City of Whittlesea has the fourth-highest number of active cases among local government areas in the state at a total of 563 – behind Hume at 585.
According to covidlive.com.au, some of the postcodes with the most active cases in City of Whittlesea are 3754, Doreen and Mernda, 59; Wollert, 50; and South Morang, 46.
Mitchell Shire sits at 34 active cases – postcodes with the highest number of active cases include 3756, Wallan and surrounds, 16; 3764, Kilmore and surrounds, 6; and 3658, Broadford and surrounds, 5.
Macedon Ranges has total of 27 active cases, and postcodes with the highest number of active cases include 3442, Woodend and surrounds, 6; 3437, Gisborne and surrounds, 7; 3434, Romsey and surrounds 3; and 3441, Mount Macedon, 3.
The figures on postcodes can be found on the covidlive.com.au website, and the Review understands the data is updated once per week, so figures may not change daily.
People wanting to get tested in the City of Whittlesea can do so; Tuesday between 9.30am and 4.00pm at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, McPhee Road; Wednesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 4pm at Civic Centre car park, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang; and seven days a week between 9.30am and 4.30pm at Waterview Drive, Mernda.
Organisers say there is no need to book and urge anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, to get tested.
If people have any symptoms, including fever, chills or sweats; sore throat; shortness of breath; runny nose; cough; or loss of sense of smell or taste, they are urged to get tested.
It is vital people who have been tested isolate at home until they have received their results back.
The impacts of COVID-19 have been significant on the mental health of Victorians, which has resulted in the State Government announcing almost $60 million for mental health services.
The funding will go towards increased beds in mental health support facilities, extended opening hours to make support available, and a post-suicide prevention program rollout.
“We know Victorians are resilient, but we have never faced a crisis quite like this one and I know there are a lot of people out there doing it tough right now. We want them to know that they are not alone,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’ll stand by all Victorians as we get through this – by delivering more beds, more community services and more specialised help for those in need.”
