Victoria has recorded 11 new COVID-19 cases, while the number of cases connected to a west Melbourne abattoir cluster has grown to almost 100.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos on May 16 said the state’s total number of cases had grown to 1554, with seven people currently in intensive care.
Among the 11 new cases recorded on Saturday were two people connected to the Cedar Meats virus cluster in Brooklyn, while four people previously confirmed to have the virus overnight had their connection to the abattoir confirmed.
There are 98 COVID-19 cases connected to the Cedar Meats cluster.
Elsewhere, a McDonald’s restaurant in the north Melbourne suburb of Fawkner has recorded an additional COVID-19 case, with the outlet’s cluster growing to 11.
McDonald’s Fawkner had been closed for deep cleaning but reopened on Wednesday.
A second McDonald’s restaurant has also been closed for deep cleaning after a staff member at its Craigieburn premises tested positive for COVID-19.
The Craigieburn worker was a relative of a staff member at McDonald’s in Fawkner.
“We have spoken with the employee and confirm they are self-isolating at home with little to no symptoms,” a McDonalds spokeswoman said on Friday.
While many Victorians enjoy social visits this weekend, Mikakos told reporters on Saturday the health advice remained to stay cautious and get tested if unwell.
Victorians can now socialise in small groups of no more than five guests to a home.
“We set ourselves a target of 50,000 (tests) from Monday to the end of this week, being Sunday. I’m pleased to report we have already exceeded that target and as of close of business yesterday we have already collected more than 56,000 swabs,” Mikakos said.
The state government on Friday announced an extra $19.5 million to deliver recommendations from Victoria’s mental health royal commission interim report as authorities brace for the wellbeing implications of the coronavirus lockdown.
Elections will also go ahead for Victorian councils on October 24, with postal votes to be used in all local government areas for the first time.
