CONFIRMED coronavirus cases in central Victoria remain stable for a fourth consecutive day, with a total of 27 in the region.
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But Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, has urged people to remain vigilant during the Easter break.
"Travelling, visiting friends, heading to the beach or staying in regional Victoria could see all our hard-won gains evaporate," 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."
Greater Bendigo has nine positive COVID-19 cases, followed by six in Mount Alexander, five in Macedon Ranges and three in Loddon shire.
Campaspe is home to two positive COVID-19 cases, while Central Goldfields and Gannawarra have one apiece.
The state total increased by 16 in the past 24 hours, to a total of 1228 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
From yesterday: No new coronavirus cases in central Victoria
There were no new deaths overnight, leaving the number of people who had died from coronavirus in Victoria at 12.
Fifty people are in hospital, including 13 patients in intensive care.
More than 800 people in Victoria have recovered from COVID-19.
Most of the state's cases are in Melbourne, with 225 in regional Victoria.
More than 62,000 tests have been carried out.
Community transmission is believed to have been a factor in 110 confirmed cases.
Several cases remain under investigation.
Professor Sutton stressed the weekend to come would be no ordinary Easter.
"The rules are clear - and they don't change over Easter: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home," he said.
"This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life. Stay at home, protect the health system, and save lives."
There were only four reasons for Victorians to leave home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.
Police would be out in force during the long weekend issuing fines to anyone who disobeyed directions.
Enforcement options included on-the-spot fines of up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.
Individuals who did not comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000, under the state of emergency. Companies faced fines of up to $100,000.
People seeking information on COVID-19 could call the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services hotline on 1800 675 398.
The department warned large numbers of calls could result in some delays and asked Victorians for their patience.
Further information was also available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
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