Covid outbreak in Lysterfield

By Romy Stephens

A family outbreak in Lysterfield has contributed to the state’s increasing number of confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Three new cases were linked to the family outbreak in Patterson Lakes and Lysterfield on 29 June – bringing the total number of cases to four.

Victoria recorded another 64 coronavirus cases on 30 June, down from 75 new infections the day before.

Confirmed cases within the Yarra Ranges remain at 26 (no active cases), while Knox has 23 (three active cases).

Across the state, 13 new cases have been linked to outbreaks, 20 cases identified through routine testing and 31 cases are under investigation. No new cases have been detected in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

There have been no new deaths reported. As of 30 June, 20 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.

“It remains critical to practice good hygiene in and outside the home – wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and try to avoid touching your face,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said.

“Stay 1.5 metres away from anyone you don’t live with and avoid crowds, especially indoors. If you can keep working from home – you must keep working from home.

“We have made some great progress in slowing the spread of coronavirus, but we are still seeing new cases in the community.

“Don’t take this disease lightly. If you feel unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you should stay home and get tested.”

The Victorian Government has launched a targeted blitz across 10 priority suburbs with a team of 800 testers to zero in on community transmission with a fleet of mobile vans. Over the coming week, residents of these suburbs will receive free testing – with or without symptoms.

Priority suburbs include Keilor Downs, Broadmeadows, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham, with Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows identified as the current focus of testing.