By Jed Lanyon and Romy Stephens
The Department of Health and Human Services reported 116 active coronavirus cases in the Yarra Ranges on Monday 17 August, a decrease of 20 cases from last week.
On 10 August, the Yarra Ranges recorded 136 active cases. The highest number of active cases in the region so far was 140, recorded across two consecutive days earlier this month.
The state recorded 282 new cases of coronavirus along with 25 deaths, making it Australia’s deadliest day yet. Twenty-two of those deaths were linked to aged care facilities.
To date, 334 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria according to DHHS.
Victoria Police issued a total of 216 fines to individuals for breaching the Chief Health Officer directions on Sunday 16 August, including 27 for failing to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four approved reasons and 89 for curfew breaches.
Police conducted 3294 spot checks on people at homes, businesses and public places across the state in that time.
A man and woman intercepted along Ferntree Gully Road, in a vehicle without registration plates, were among recent fines.
Police said the pair admitted they were on their way to Boronia (more than 20km from their home address) to pick up a pair of shoes they had purchased from an online marketplace.
Meanwhile, Estia Health Yarra Valley has now successfully tested all residents and staff for Covid-19, with no further positive cases returned.
On 3 August the Yarra Junction-based aged care received advice that one of its employees had tested positive to Covid-19.
According to Estia Health, the employee had not worked at the home since testing positive and was self-isolating.
In a statement, Estia Health said “all residents and other employees have returned negative Covid-19 tests to date.”
“We thank the residents and families of all our homes in Victoria for their ongoing support and understanding at this challenging time,” the statement said.
“We also wish to acknowledge and thank all our employees in Victoria for their dedication and commitment to caring for our residents as we all work through this together.”
