The first Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) case has been reported today (Fri.) in Murrindindi Shire.

The news comes as figures released this afternoon by the Department of Health show 24 new cases in the North-East region over the past 24 hours. This is an increase in 23 per cent in one day.

Alarmingly, the Banyule municipality which includes Heidelberg and Greensborough, had 14 new cases reported in 24 hours.

The latest figures are:

Banyule – 62
Mansfield – 2
Murrindindi – 1
Mitchell – 9
Nillumbik – 18
Strathbogie – 2
Whittlesea – 15
Yarra Ranges – 19

There are 1085 cases across Victoria. The North-East region accounts for 11.8 per cent of the state’s cases.

Victorian Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, said that a man in his eighties died yesterday (Thurs.) n hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from Coronavirus to seven.

The total number of cases includes 577 men and 504 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties.

There are 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 51,000 tests have been conducted to date.

Currently 37 people are in hospital – including seven patients in intensive care – and 476 people have recovered.

Of the total 1,085 cases, there have been 866 in Melbourne and 205 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation.

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.

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

All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction. All travelers returning from overseas to Victoria will be placed in enforced quarantine for the self-isolation period of 14 days.

Police have strong powers to enforce these directions and can issue on the spot fines, including up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.

Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.

Professor Sutton today stressed the importance for Victorians to get a flu vaccine ahead of the coming influenza season.

“Influenza is a serious illness that kills many Victorians each year. With COVID-19 now also circulating in the State, a widespread influenza outbreak would be a devastating double-whammy for our health services to cope with,” he said.

“The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year and I encourage everyone to get their annual flu shot from now.”

“It is also important that workplaces that are still operating continue to offer their usual employee influenza immunisation programs.”

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a hotline for public information on COVID-19, which is 1800 675 398. Large numbers of calls can result in some delays and we ask Victorians for their patience as we work to manage the volume.

Further information is also available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus