More virus in Victoria, authorities warn

By | November 3, 2020

Despite Tuesday’s COVID-19 feat, health authorities believe there are still undetected cases in the state.

Victoria’s Commander of Testing Jeroen Weimar warns of a “long road ahead” before the state can return to ‘COVID-normal’.

“We’re not over this by any means,” he told reporters in St Kilda on Tuesday.

“We’ve got a long way to go to make sure we identify any remaining areas of transmission.”

Mr Weimar said there are “absolutely” more undetected cases of COVID-19 in the community.

“It’s our job to be really vigilant,” he said.

He encouraged anyone with a runny nose, sore throat or any other COVID-19 symptoms to get tested.

There are now 38 active cases in Victoria, the lowest number since the government began recording them on March 29.

Health Minister Martin Foley confirmed Melbourne’s latest mystery case is a Deer Park local who tested positive for the virus on October 29.

Authorities have been unable to link the case to a known outbreak, with the city’s tally of mystery cases in the fortnight to October 31 rising to two.

It came as police were out in force at an anti-lockdown protest outside parliament house in Melbourne.

There were 404 protesters arrested, with a female senior sergeant taken to hospital after suffering a suspected broken arm.

Another 395 fines will also be handed out for a range of offences including assaulting police and coronavirus rule breaches.

Thousands also flocked to beaches in St Kilda, Brighton and Williamstown, with many flouting orders to wear masks unless in the water.

The state’s virus death toll remains at 819 and the national figure at 907.

Australian Associated Press

Western Advocate – Health