An essential worker walks past a ‘Please Stay Home’ sign in Melbourne. REUTERS/Sandra Sanders
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  • Victoria has recorded 11 new cases of COVID-19, however authorities say all of the new infections are linked to existing outbreaks
  • The State’s Health Department explained two of the cases are linked to an aged care home, while eight are linked to primary contacts
  • The 11 new cases are the second-highest number recorded since the latest outbreak began two weeks ago, prompting concerns of a further lockdown
  • However Victoria’s Chief Health Officer says a decision on Melbourne’s restrictions won’t be made until later in the week
  • The State’s Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers has also revealed a $30 million support package for those affected by the lockdown

Victoria has recorded 11 new cases of COVID-19, however authorities believe all of the new infections were linked to existing outbreaks.

The additional cases announced on Monday are the second-highest number recorded in a single day since Victoria’s recent outbreak began two weeks ago.

The State’s Health Department said two of the 11 cases were linked to an aged care home, while another eight cases were linked to primary contacts.

In total, there are 94 active cases of COVID-19 in Victoria.

The state went into lockdown on May 27, before the lockdown was extended for an additional week on June 3.

Those restrictions are due to lift on June 10, though Victoria’s Chief Health Officer said a decision on changing the lockdown end would be made later in the week.

Brett Sutton said it was good news that all of today’s cases were linked to known outbreaks, and the majority of the new infections were in quarantine.

“As I’ve always said, we’re looking at numbers every day, and we make those decisions on a day-by-day basis,” Professor Sutton said.

“I don’t know what today will bring in terms of new notified cases.

“Today brought some good signs – nine of 11 cases are effectively in quarantine, not many new exposure sites.”

In the meantime, Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers has revealed a $30 million support package for those affected by lockdown.

Luke Donnellan said $4.5 million worth of funds would go towards food packages, while $12 million would go to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“We will also provide grants to meet regional and metropolitan food hubs which we set up,” Minister Donnellan said.

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