CENTRAL Victoria's first positive coronavirus test has been returned in the Macedon Ranges.
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It is among 51 new cases across Victoria overnight, bring the total tally to 229.
The new cases include 30 men and 19 women, with two further cases still under investigation. Ages range from early-teens to late seventies.
Cases are being confirmed across the state including in the Ballarat and Hepburn council areas.
No cases have yet been confirmed in the Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields, Campaspe or Loddon council areas.
"For the virus to spread, extended close personal contact is most likely required. Close personal contact is at least 15 minutes face-to-face or more than two hours in the same room.
"We urge the public to take steps now to minimise the risk of COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in protecting yourself and your family.
"Hands should be washed regularly with soap and water. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you are ill, stay at home."
The latest on coronovirus:
Victorians are being urged to stay alert by the state's chief health officer Brett Sutton.
"We will continue to provide up-to-date information to the community. We are all focused on doing whatever is necessary to minimise the spread of infection to keep Victorians safe," he said.
There are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission.
Currently, five people are recovering in hospital. More than 20,500 Victorians have been tested to date.
Fifty-one people have recovered.
The Department of Health and Human Services follows up and monitors all close contacts of confirmed cases and provides them with information and support.
All close contacts must self-isolate for 14-days and all people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate.
Premier Daniel Andrews this morning revealed a $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package including full payroll tax refunds to small and medium-sized businesses for the 2019-20 financial year.
The government expects to give back $550 million back to businesses through the refund. Payments will start flowing next week.
The same businesses will also be able to defer any payroll tax for the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year until 1 January 2021, freeing up a further $83 million in cashflow.
DHHS has a hotline for public information on COVID-19 which is 1800 675 398.
Further information is also available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
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