Tate Papworth
Brimbank’s active COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate.
There have been 58 new active cases added to Brimbank’s tally over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to above 200 with 238 cases.
Two major outbreaks have also been established within the municipality
A total of 36 cases have been linked to Estia Health aged care facility in Ardeer, a rise of 15 more than yesterday.
While the outbreak at JBS abattoir in Brooklyn stands at 32 cases, three more than yesterday.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton refused to rule out a tightening of restrictions.
“Everything is on the table,” professor Sutton said.
“There will be dozens of individuals who will require hospitalisation from these 428 people.
“Tragically, there will be several who require intensive care support and a number of people will die and whenever we have a day of these numbers, that is the case.
“We are all thinking about the additional measures that may be required if it does not turn around.
“We are not just banking on the idea that if we wait long enough, those numbers will stabilise and drop, so we must bear in mind any additional measures that are important to help control the numbers.”
Western Health, which operates both the Sunshine and Footscray hospitals told Star Weekly it is caring for a “considerable portion” of the patients hospitalised in Melbourne with confirmed COVID-19.
More than 7500 staff and all clinical and non-clinical staff are supporting the COVID-19 response.
