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- Victoria has recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began, with 25 new deaths recorded overnight
- The state’s death toll now sits at 334, with the majority of the deceased from aged care homes across the state
- Victoria’s case numbers are trending down slightly, with 282 new cases recorded today
- Sadly, the state has recorded an increase in self-harm incidents, linked to the strict stage four lockdowns
- The Victorian Government has decided to funnel more funding towards mental health services and family violence prevention
Victoria has hit a grim milestone, recording its deadliest day since the pandemic began with 25 new deaths overnight.
The deaths include one male in their 60s, four females and three males in their 70s, six females and four males in their 80s and four females and three males in their 90s.
Of those 25 deaths, 22 are linked to aged care facilities across the state, which have been badly hit by COVID-19.
Victoria’s death toll now sits at a total of 334 and Premier Daniel Andrews said, unfortunately, more fatalities are expected.
“As long as we have a large number of people in hospital that are gravely ill, we will continue to see people die because of COVID-19,” he said.
“Yes the age range (of deaths) is concentrated among older people, we have seen otherwise younger people, who seem healthy, die,” he added.
Along with the 25 deaths, 282 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Victoria in the last 24 hours.
It’s a slight increase on yesterday’s total of 279, but otherwise shows the state’s case numbers are trending down compared to previous highs recorded over a week ago.
But, while case numbers may be beginning to reduce, a new report highlights the impact the strict stage-four lockdowns are having on some Victorians.
AAP reports there has been a 33 per cent rise in Victorian children and young people presenting to hospital with self-harm injuries over the past six weeks.
Meanwhile, Victorian’s use of Beyond Blue’s services was 90 per cent higher than the rest of the country.
As a result of the growing demand for mental health services, the Victorian Government has today allocated $26.9 million towards establishing 15 dedicated mental health clinics.
Nine of those new clinics will be located in greater Melbourne, while six will be located in regional Victoria.
The Victorian Government has also announced additional funding for family violence services, as many families are at heightened risk due to the lockdowns.
“We’ve been reminding Victorians to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus but we also know that for many, home is not a safe place to be, as sad as that is,” Minister for Woman Gabrielle Williams said.
Over $20 million will be spent on providing at-risk families with additional homes and support.
The Victorian Minister for Woman said no one deserves to feel trapped.
“If you are experiencing family violence, if you are not safe in your home, it is perfectly legitimate to leave your home, you will not be fined,” she said.
