By Laura Michell
Nurses at Northern Hospital have joined in the calls for people to ensure they stay home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier this week, Northern Health released a photo of nurses holding signs saying: “We stay here for you. Please stay home for us.”
It comes as the number of COVID-19 cases in Whittlesea and Hume rose again overnight.
There are now 29 confirmed cases in Hume, up from 10 cases last Thursday.
There are 15 cases in Whittlesea, up from eight last Thursday.
Elsewhere in the northern suburbs, 41 cases have been recorded in Moreland, 25 in Darebin, 16 in Nillumbik and 53 in Banyule.
Stonnington has the highest number of cases in the state (82), followed by Banyule.
Across Victoria, 1036 cases of coronavirus have been recorded, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The department said there are 57 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission.
According to DHHS, there are 36 people in hospital, including six patients in intensive care.
More than 49.000 tests have been conducted.
Viictoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said these are unprecedented times.
“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so,” Professor Sutton said.
“Social distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe.
“Our message is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home.”
