Coronavirus cases in Victoria have today risen to 1241 – an increase of 13 from yesterday.
The Mornington Peninsula’s cases increased by one to 55 after three days at 54.
The peninsula’s COVID-19 cases have risen by just just four in the last week, but all eyes have now shifted to the possible influx of tourists over the Easter break that may see all the good work undone.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton today repeated his strong message that Victorians must continue to be vigilant in practicing physical distancing and staying at home for all but essential outings.
“The rules are clear – and they don’t change over Easter: stay at home,” Professor Sutton said.
“This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life. Stay at home, protect the health system, and save lives.
“This is not a normal Easter. Travelling, visiting friends, heading to the beach or staying in regional Victoria could see all our hard-won gains evaporate.
“Physical distancing will save lives. I urge people not to look for loopholes but to do the right thing.”
Tourists have been told, in no uncertain terms, to stay away.
Local police have decided against setting up road blocks on the major thoroughfares in favour of the random intercepts as these would be less disruptive to traffic flows.
Police will conduct “random intercepts” on cars carrying four or five people, were crammed with camping equipment, or were towing boats, caravans or camper trailers.
“We’ll be asking them the purpose of their travel and whether or not it is to a holiday rental property or whether they intend camping or whatever. If they can’t provide a legitimate reason they will be turned around,” said Somerville CIU Senior Sergeant Steve Wood, of the Frontline Tasking Unit.
“Travel to legitimate holiday houses owned by the family to which they regularly go is permitted provided they intend staying there and not going on outings in that community.”
Proof of ownership includes a rates notice or other documentation.
“We are also trying to minimise the number of day trippers visiting the peninsula. If they have no legitimate purpose in being down here then they shouldn’t be here.”
Mornington Peninsula still sixth highest number of cases
In nearby municipalities, City of Frankston have 36 confirmed cases, the same as yesterday.
The City of Casey have 48 confirmed cases, one up from yesterday.
The Mornington Peninsula is currently equal fifth in the list of Local Government Areas’s number of infections, falling from second highest just ten days ago.
The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are:
City of Stonnington with 87 confirmed cases.
City of Banyule with 77 confirmed cases.
City of Boroondara with 59 confirmed cases.
City of Greater Geelong with 58 confirmed cases.
City of Melbourne with 55 confirmed cases.
Mornington Peninsula Shire with 55 confirmed cases.
City of Moreland with 48 confirmed cases.
City of Casey with 48 confirmed cases.
City of Glen Eira with 45 confirmed cases.
City of Port Phillip with 44 confirmed cases.