Victoria records another 275 new coronavirus cases as aged care resident dies

Victoria has recorded another day of triple-digit coronavirus cases as the state's death toll hits 39.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews Source: AAP

Another 275 people have tested positive for coronavirus overnight and an aged care resident has died in Victoria. 

The death of the woman in her 80s takes the state's COVID-19 death toll to 39. 

Monday's daily case tally marks a significant decrease from Sunday when 363 new infections and three deaths were recorded in Victoria.

But Premier Daniel Andrews said he would not speculate on whether the reduced case numbers could be the beginning of a trend, describing the virus as a "wicked enemy".

"We still haven't reached the two-week mark. It won't be until Wednesday that we get to the full two weeks of the stay at home orders across all of metro Melbourne," he said. "We shouldn't interpret this data as if we're in week five of a six-week lockdown."

Wednesday will mark two-weeks of Stay At Home orders across all of Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, with at least four more weeks to follow.

Residents of these areas are only permitted to leave the house for four reasons; to buy essential supplies, to study or work if unable to do so from home, to exercise, and for medical or caregiving reasons. 

"I don't want anyone to think that just because we have had a couple of days where we have seen a decrease, that somehow a corner has been turned and we can be less vigilant about following these rules," Mr Andrews said.

A day earlier, Mr Andrews announced wearing masks in public will be made mandatory for residents of Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire from Thursday.

Speaking on Monday morning, the Victoria's Education Minister James Merlino said any students who were required to attend a physical classroom, including VCE students who are exempt from the second round of remote learning, would be expected to wear a mask at school. 

For students unable to access their own mask, Mr Merlino said 1.2 million single-use masks will be distributed to schools throughout Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

Meanwhile, approximately 700,000 students, from kindergarten to Year 10, began learning from home following the school holidays on Monday. 

"I know this is hard. This is a challenging time, remote learning is not easy for parents and carers, for teachers and staff and most importantly for our students," Mr Merlino said.

"My message to parents is to be patient. Don't be hard on yourself. Your teachers know what they're doing."

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at


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By Maani Truu


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Victoria records another 275 new coronavirus cases as aged care resident dies | SBS News