COVID-19 testing boost as central Victoria records no new cases

It came as 17 new cases were diagnosed throughout the state.

Testing is set to ramp up in the Macedon Ranges, with Kyneton District Health operating a respiratory assessment clinic from 1pm - 3.30pm on weekdays. Patients are encouraged to call ahead on 5422 9900.

Work to establish a testing centre at Daylesford's Community Health Centre is on track for the centre to open by the month's end.

Macedon Ranges recorded an additional COVID-19 case earlier this week, rising from seven to eight cases.

Greater Bendigo has had a total of nine confirmed cases since April 5.

Mount Alexander has had six cases since March 30.

Loddon Shire has had three cases since April 5.

Campaspe has had two confirmed COVID-19 cases since April 3.

Central Goldfields recorded its first and only case, thus far, on April 2.

Gannawarra's first and, so far, only case was confirmed on March 22.

There are a total of 1440 coronavirus cases throughout the state, with people aged from babies to their early 90s.

Eighty two per cent of the state's coronavirus cases are in metropolitan Melbourne. Several cases remain under investigation.

No new COVID-19 deaths were reported yesterday. The virus has claimed 18 lives in Victoria, to date.

Eight people are in hospital, six of whom are in intensive care.

More than 1320 people have recovered from COVID-19.

More than 162,000 tests have been completed.

Community transmission is believed to be responsible for 145 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Victoria.

Four of the new confirmed cases relate to an outbreak linked to a Melbourne meat processing facility, which is now a cluster of 49 cases.

The company has agreed to close the facility for 14 days as a precaution, with all staff being subjected to testing.

New cases also include that of an asymptomatic staffer at the Grant Lodge aged care facility in Bacchus Marsh.

The facility has been closed for isolation and staff and residents are being tested.

"Today's increase in cases illustrates once again that while we have been flattening the curve, our battle against COVID-19 is far from over," Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, said.

"Victorians have done a remarkable job so far sticking to the coronavirus restrictions and staying at home has saved lives. But now is not the time for complacency."

He said a testing blitz would see up to 100,000 Victorians tested in two weeks.

"The main aim of this increase in testing is to improve access and actively search for cases, allowing us to gain a better picture of this virus and make informed decisions for Victoria," Professor Sutton said.

"We are asking Victorians to again play their part and get tested if they have symptoms, because the more tests we do, the more data we have about the prevalence of coronavirus in the community.

"People with common symptoms of coronavirus including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell - however mild - are encouraged to get tested."

There remain only four reasons for Victorians to leave home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.

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