Virus outbreaks continue to grow

Coronavirus outbreak at Epping Gardens. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 212146_02

By Laura Michell

The number of active coronavirus cases across Whittlesea and Hume has risen to more than 1000.

Latest Department of Health and Human Services data reveals there are 559 active cases in Hume, with the total number of cases reaching 1116.

In Whittlesea, 518 cases are active, from a total of 806 cases.

Data also reveals that the 3064 postcode (Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Mickleham, Kalkallo and Donnybrook) has the second-highest number of active cases in the state (331).

Postcode 3029 (Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina) has the most active cases at 459.

A number of significant virus outbreaks across both Whittlesea and Hume are continuing to grow, with 169 cases now linked to Epping Gardens aged care.

Arcare Aged Care’s Craigieburn site has been linked to 83 cases.

In a statement, chief executive Colin Singh said 11 residents have died since the start of the centre’s outbreak on July 12.

According to DHHS, there are 196 cases linked to Bertocchi Smallgoods’ Thomastown factory, while 29 cases have been linked to Inghams at Thomastown.

Bundoora childcare centre, Nino Early Learning Adventures, has been linked to 43 cases