By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey has defied Victoria’s flattening Covid-19 curve, with a spike of eight new infections in the past 48 hours.
The council area has climbed the state’s local government ‘league table’, ranking equal-eighth with 45 reported infections.
Since 26 March, Casey’s infections have climbed 350 per cent.The spike coincides with a 55-year-old disability nurse dying from the virus at Dandenong Hospital on 5 April.
Meanwhile the State Government announced that school students would be required to “learn at home” when Term 2 resumes on 15 April.
Stricter public health measures also come into force for visitors to disability residential facilities, alcohol and drug services and secure welfare services.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged people not to “look for loopholes” in the physical distancing measures.
“It’s important that we have the right measures in place to slow the spread of this virus and protect the most vulnerable in our community,” Professor Sutton said.
“There is no doubt about it – physical distancing will save lives. I urge people not to look for loopholes, but to follow the advice and do the right thing.
“Our message is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home.”
Casey’s rise in the past two days represented 14 per cent of the state’s reported new cases (56).
As a region, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia have been home to 13 new infections in two days – 23 per cent of the state’s new cases.
As of 7 April, the state’s death toll was 11, with 13 patients in intensive care.
Victoria’s total infections has slowed in recent days, totalling 1191.
More than half of cases have recovered (686)
Details: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
