KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — The Australian state of Victoria reported a surge of 723 new Covid-19 infections and 13 deaths today, breaking Monday’s record of 532 cases. The previous highest daily fatality rate was 10.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced today that masks would be mandatory statewide and restrictions would be placed on six local government areas, as new cases surged in the Geelong corridor.
The Age reported that the six areas are Colac-Otway, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe. From 11.59pm today, people living in those areas are not allowed to have visitors in their homes or to visit others.
Acknowledging that it may seem “counterintuitive” that people can go to the pub but not a friend’s house, Andrews stated that data showed transmissions were taking place in households instead of cafes or restaurants.
Starting from August 2, all Victorians must wear face coverings when they leave home.
The state is also making face masks compulsory in places where dining-in is allowed, unlike Melbourne and Mitchell Shires that only allow takeaways for pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Andrews reportedly announced: “If you are seated you do not need to have a mask on, so if you are eating or drinking. But if you are not seated, then you have your mask on.”
Making the state’s death toll 105, ten of the 13 new deaths reported today were in care homes. The Victoria premier also commented that people were still showing up to work despite showing symptoms, or during the time between taking a test and receiving the results.
