VICTORIA has recorded it’s first three deaths for COVID-19 bringing the total of Australian deaths to 12 today.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the two of the men in their 70s were being treated for Coronavirus in hospital overnight.
In an interview with 3AW, Professor Sutton said there had been an increase of 54 in COVID-19 cases in the last day.
“They’re our first deaths,” he said.
“But in a sense they’re not unexpected. We’re now up to 520 cases, so two deaths amongst 500 is relatively small looking at the global figures.”
Current restrictions announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison are in place as of midnight last night, meaning businesses no longer allowed to function include:
- Real estate auctions and open house inspections;
- Community and recreation centres including yoga, barre, spin facilities, sauna etc;
- Indoor and outdoor play centres;
- Auction houses;
- Indoor beauty salons, including tanning, waxing, nails, spa, massage and tattoo parlous;
- Public swimming pools;
- Galleries, museums, libraries and community centres;
- Food courts in shopping centres may only serve takeaway.
Hairdressers were limited to 30-minute appointments but that restriction has now been lifted.
Victorian real estate agents will turn to using technology to continue business, says REIV president Leah Calnan.
“The Victorian Real Estate sector is a flexible, innovative, and resourceful industry capable of dealing with any problem,” Ms Calnan said.
“Local agents are turning to technology to satisfy the high demand in Victorian real estate, with virtual reality inspections, and transactions conducted over the phone and electronic document signing over the internet becoming commonplace.”
Driver’s licence tests suspended
All VicRoads light-vehicle drive tests and computer-based tests have been suspended to protect staff and customers from the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, heavy-vehicle and motorcycle assessments will continue.
“These temporary changes are an important way to keep all our customers and staff safe,” Department of Transport Head of Transport Service Jeroen Weimar said.
“I understand this will be frustrating for those impacted. I thank everyone for their patience in this unprecedented time.”
Camping grounds closed to most
By direction of the Chief Health Officer Victoria Mr Sutton, campsites, caravan parks and camping ground are closed to visitors – the exception being people who have the caravan park as their primary place of residence or interim accommodation.
Horse racing suspended
Kilmore Race Club has cancelled its races for today as a result of the suspension of Victorian racing by Racing Victoria while a licensed participant is tested for COVID-19.
In the event the participant tests negative, racing will resume tomorrow and a further update will be provided this afternoon.
