Yarriambiack and Northern Grampians shires remain the only municipalities in Victoria’s mid-west to register confirmed cases of people with COVID-19.

Latest figures show both continue have had one case each.

Mildura to the north of the region and Moyne to the south have also had one each.

Municipalities of Ararat, Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and other nearby shires of Buloke, Pyrenees, Central Goldfields, Southern Grampians, Glenelg and Corangamite have yet to register an official case.

But Victoria has recorded its first two deaths related to the virus. Both were men aged in their seventies and died in Melbourne hospitals.
The deaths came as the state’s total number of cases increased to 520, 50 of them in regional Victoria.
In Victoria, the total number of cases includes 300 men and 216 women. People are aged from pre-school age to their late eighties. Four cases are under investigation. There are so far nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that might have been acquired through community transmission.

Currently 14 people are in hospital, including three patients in intensive care, and 149 people have recovered.

More than 26,900 Victorians have undergone testing and most cases have been in metropolitan Melbourne.

In-depth details are on website www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/media-hub-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said everyone must take social distancing seriously.
“Sadly, Victoria has recorded the first two deaths related to coronavirus. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time,” Professor Sutton said.
“We’re doing everything we can to save lives and slow the spread of this deadly virus, but we all have a role to play to protect those who are most vulnerable.
“I can’t be clearer; if you can stay at home, you must stay at home.”
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.
All people arriving from any international destination must also self-isolate for 14 days as per Commonwealth Government direction.
While most Victorians are voluntarily complying with requests to isolate, Police have strong powers to enforce the direction if it’s required. Under the State of Emergency people who don’t comply with a directive could receive a fine of up to $20,000. Companies face fines of up to $100,000.
“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so,” Professor Sutton said.
“Social distancing will save lives.
“Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe. We urge everyone to stay 1.5 metres away from everyone else, wash your hands often with soap and water and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.”
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 will result in delays and authorities are asking Victorians for their patience.

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