Victoria to announce horrifying spike in COVID-19 with a staggering 723 new cases and 13 deaths in the biggest surge in coronavirus in Australia since the pandemic began
Victoria is set to break the record for its single daily increase in coronavirus cases, with 723 infections to be announced on Thursday.
The expected figure is more than double Wednesday’s 295 infections and far exceeds the state’s previous record of 532 cases on Monday.
Premier Daniel Andrews is also expected to report an additional 13 deaths on Thursday amid several outbreaks at aged care facilities, The Herald Sun reports.
Victoria reported nine additional fatalities on Wednesday, taking the state’s death toll to 92 and the national figure to 176.
Victoria is set to break the record for its single daily increase in coronavirus cases on Thursday. Pictured: Medical staff are seen at St Basil’s Home for the Aged Care in Fawkner
Seven of the fatalities are linked to private aged care facilities in the state, which are now tied to 46 deaths.
The aged care crisis remains a major driver of the state’s death toll and high case numbers
‘The aged care numbers, the increase in each of those facilities on a daily basis will be a significant contributor, including the staff in those facilities and our other outbreaks, especially the larger ones, are another significant contributor,’ Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said on Wednesday.
Thursday’s expected record comes after two days of declining figures. The number of new cases dropped to 295 on Wednesday from 384 on Tuesday and 532 on Monday.
Every Victorian who tests positive to COVID-19 should expect a knock on the door from the military, the premier has warned, as the state bolsters efforts to contain outbreaks.
From Thursday, Australian Defence Force personnel and public health workers will begin doorknocking all confirmed coronavirus cases in Victoria
Australian Defence Force personnel and public health workers have been visiting the homes of known positive cases who could not be contacted, but from Thursday they will begin doorknocking all confirmed cases.
Premier Daniel Andrews said of the 500 visits already, people were not home for 29 of them. Those cases have been referred to police.
‘(It) is not about compliance, but making sure that every single positive case understands what we are asking them to do,’ he told reporters on Wednesday.
‘And it is their opportunity to ask what they need from us, what can we do for you to support you in unique circumstances.’
More to come