Victorian health authorities are investigating a coronavirus outbreak at a private psychiatric facility which has resulted in at least 14 confirmed cases of the virus so far.
Key points:
- Health authorities have confirmed six new cases of coronavirus including three from the psychiatric facility
- None of the new cases are believed to be community transmissions from unknown sources
- No additional deaths have been linked to the coronavirus in Victoria in the past 24 hours
Five patients, five staff and four household close contacts have tested positive to coronavirus after the first case was confirmed at the Albert Road Clinic in inner-city Melbourne in late March.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said further testing including all patients and staff was underway today to find any further spread.
"Given that this is a high-risk setting we are undertaking active surveillance," she said during a press conference.
In a statement, the clinic said it was working closely with health authorities to trace close contacts of anyone who visited the clinic on or after March 24.
"There is an immediate cessation of all new patient admissions to the clinic and the movement of staff and patients across the facility has been restricted," the statement said.
"All staff and doctors will be tested and have been advised not to work in any other clinical setting."
Ms Mikakos said six more cases of coronavirus had been confirmed in the past 24 hours bringing the state's total to 1,343 but there had been no additional deaths.
Three of these cases were from the psychiatric facility outbreak.
None of the new cases were considered to be community transmission from unknown sources.
Twenty-seven people were in hospital with 11 in intensive care and three more people had recovered, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 1,254.
Outbreak highlights 'explosive potential' of virus
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said health authorities were doing "absolutely everything that is required" to halt the outbreak, with everyone in the facility and their close contacts in quarantine and needing to be tested and cleared before being "out and about again".
Professor Sutton said the outbreak highlighted the "explosive potential" of the virus to spread rapidly within facilities.
Vic COVID-19 snapshot
- Confirmed cases so far: 1,343
- Deaths: 16
- Suspected community transmissions: 135
- Cases in hospital: 27
- Intensive care patients: 11
- Recovered patients: 1,254
- Tests carried out: More than 96,000
Latest information from the Victorian Government
He said some additional cases had tested positive this week, causing concern about ongoing transmission at the psychiatric facility.
In response, measures had been introduced including thorough cleaning and a ban on new patients and transfers.
Professor Sutton said there had been a number of clusters including at healthcare facilities.
The Alfred hospital cluster hadn't "had activity for some time" but health authorities were watching some other clusters.
Parliament passes coronavirus bills
State Parliament last night passed legislation to address the coronavirus crisis including an appropriation bill for $24.5 billion emergency funding, a general funding bill, a taxation amendments bill and an emergency measures bill.
The measures include the previously announced ban on rental evictions and rent increases and changes to facilitate physical-distancing measures such as allowing planning permits to be displayed and sent electronically, and virtual meetings for councils and joint standing committees of the Parliament.
"These temporary measures will allow us to respond quickly to save lives, protect jobs and rebuild our economy," Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement.
"Coronavirus is creating unprecedented challenges, but Victoria is ready — we will get through this together."
Police issue 54 fines for breaching coronavirus rules
Meanwhile, Victoria Police officers conducted 661 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state in the 24 hours to 11pm Thursday as part of Operation Sentinel and issued 54 fines.
Examples of breaches that drew infringements included groups gathering in private residences, including a birthday party in Romsey, and in public such as the Winchelsea football oval, where four men and a woman were fined.
Multiple people committing criminal offences, including robberies, vehicles theft and drug-related offences, were also fined.
What you need to know about coronavirus:
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTA0LTI0L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLW91dGJyZWFrLWF0LXBzeWNoaWF0cmljLWZhY2lsaXR5LWluLXZpY3RvcmlhLWNvdmlkMTkvMTIxODAyMTLSASZodHRwOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMjE4MDIxMg?oc=5
2020-04-24 05:40:34Z
52780744528508
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Coronavirus outbreak at Victorian psychiatric facility being investigated by health authorities - ABC News"
Post a Comment