Victoria has recorded 208 new cases and one death from coronavirus in the past 24 hours, with the source of more than 100 infections still a mystery.
Victoria has reported 208 new locally acquired cases, and one new death.
Just 96 infections have so far been linked to known outbreaks.
It brings the total number of active cases across the state to 1180.
More than 48,570 tests were recorded, and 33,511 vaccine doses administered.
SMALL REPRIEVE FOR KIDS AS PLAYGROUNDS REOPEN
Melbourne city’s oldest playground will reopen with a new look as children return to their favourite play spots today.
Lincoln Square playground, in Carlton, has been transformed under a $3m plan. It now features rope bridges, play towers, slides, swings and timber play structures, as well as a new barbecue and picnic area.
It coincides with the reopening of Victoria’s playgrounds, controversially closed last month when the state’s lockdown was tightened.
The park has also been expanded by 3000sq m, while the site’s 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees have been integrated in the design of the play space.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the playground – first opened in 1907 – would be a welcome relief for parents.
“We know ongoing restrictions have been incredibly hard, so the completion of the Lincoln Square playground is perfectly timed to get restless kids out of the house and into the fresh air,” she said.
City activation lead councillor Roshena Campbell said the closure of playgrounds by the Andrews government was “ridiculous”.
“I am delighted they have seen sense and that our kids will be able to play again, including at Lincoln Square,” she said.
Lincoln Square has also got new lawn and garden beds, more trees, and better footpaths, lighting and irrigation as part of the council’s four-year plan to increase open green space.
Health and wellbeing portfolio lead councillor Dr Olivia Ball said Lincoln Square was a much-loved community space.
“Carlton is one of the fastest-growing areas in our municipality and playgrounds like this one are vital for the many young families,” she said.
Work began on the new playground last November after being delayed by the pandemic.
COVID-INFECTED CONTACT TRACING OFFICE PROBED
A company contracted by the Department of Health to conduct calls about general Covid-safe behaviours has become the centre of a new coronavirus outbreak.
Four out of five offices linked to Acquire call centre, which is one of five call-centre providers employed by the department, are affected in the cluster of 17 positive cases.
It’s understood staff worked at multiple offices, including three within the St Kilda Rd precinct.
Workers at the centre made calls to primary close contacts to provide basic information and updates, as well as providing information on general Covid-safe behaviours.
It’s not yet known why work-from-home measures weren’t in place, but acting chief health officer Professor Ben Cowie said that would be investigated.
“We really need to stop and rethink about our work practices in every industrial and occupational setting and think about if people need to be at work or not,” Prof Cowie said.
Authorities also flagged they were concerned about a case that emerged at the Base Backpackers in St Kilda.
The case has moved to hotel quarantine, but authorities are now engaged in a full public health response to ensure other residents were properly quarantined.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned on Thursday that Victoria’s outbreak was “going along the same path” as the situation in New South Wales.
He said that was despite the best efforts of the Victorian government to lock down as fast as possible, to try and avoid what had happened north of the border.
“That is the nature of the Delta variant,” the Prime Minister said.
His comments came after University of Melbourne epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely warned daily case numbers could hit 2000 by late October. “The case numbers are going up at about 5 per cent per day,” he said.
On Thursday Victoria reported its biggest spike in coronavirus infections since August 22 last year, with 176 cases – including 93 unlinked – reported.
Of those, 61 were in the western suburbs and 67 in the northern suburbs, while 22 were detected around the eastern and southern metro areas. The total number of active cases across the state has reached 1029, with three-quarters of those aged under 40.
There are now 61 Victorians infected with the virus in hospital, including 20 in ICU and 13 on ventilators.
Meanwhile, staff at The Alfred hospital have been stood down after a colleague tested positive to the virus on Wednesday.
A low-rise public housing complex in Richmond was listed as a Tier 1 exposure site on Thursday evening.
Anyone who was at 127 Elizabeth St between 12am on Sunday and 11.59pm on Wednesday must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days.
Western Australia will declare Victoria a “high risk” jurisdiction from Monday. Victorians can only enter the state if they have received an exemption, have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and have received a negative test 72 hours prior to their departure.
In Queensland, health authorities are sweating on the Covid-19 status of a family who apparently made a trip to Melbourne. They were caught out after their children told fellow pupils at school about the trip.
The family initially refused to be tested, but have now agreed and their results are likely to be returned on Friday.
MASKLESS BEACHGOERS FLOUT RULES
Hundreds of people gathered at Elwood Beach on Thursday afternoon, with many beachgoers maskless and drinking alcohol in breach of lockdown restrictions.
Groups were seen drinking alcohol on the sand, and dancing to music from portable speakers. Many beachgoers were maskless as they soaked up the sun and a top of 27 degrees. Windsurfers also took advantage of a gentle breeze, while a fire twirler was seen performing for the crowds on the sand. People were having picnics at the park nearby, while others watched the sunset at Point Ormond Lookout. There was a minor police presence.
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2021-09-02 22:57:34Z
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