By Laura Michell
Hume is nearing a sad milestone, with almost 500 coronavirus cases recorded in the municipality since the pandemic began.
Department of Health and Human Services data released this afternoon shows there have been 491 confirmed cases of the virus in Hume – an increase of 27 since yesterday.
Hume has 251 active cases.
Whittlesea has recorded 169 cases, up 13 from yesterday. There are 83 active cases.
It comes as DHHS revealed 19 people have now been linked to an outbreak at the Northern Hospital emergency department.
Last week, a Northern Health spokeswoman said emergency department staff were being treated as a precaution.
The spokeswoman said the hospital was operating reduced services and urged people to seek medical care from their GP for less-urgent conditions.
Positive cases have also been reported at Nestle’s Campbellfield factory and Epping’s Al Siraat College.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said the northwestern suburbs remained an area of concern.
He urged people to abide by the stage three restrictions.
These restrictions have become necessary because of the sharp increase in cases,” said Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.
“These are tough measures, but this virus is not selective –it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission. We need everyone to do their part and ensure it is stopped in its tracks.”
