As at 12:00pm on 21 June 2020, a total of 7,460 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in Australia. Of the newly confirmed cases in the past 7 days, 116 (83%) were reported in Victoria. 29 of these cases (25%) were acquired overseas and detected in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. The remaining 87 cases are largely associated with community transmission.
Today, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (the AHPPC) was briefed on the recent outbreaks of confirmed cases in Victoria. Australia must continue to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
The AHPPC notes that while these Victorian outbreaks are of immediate concern, it remains probable that Australia will experience periodic outbreaks given the:
- continued growth in confirmed cases in other countries, and the number of Australians and Australian permanent residents still overseas who may return; and
- sporadic community transmission.
It is critical that we are able to continue to control transmission.
The AHPPC recognised the importance of the measures taken by the Victorian Government yesterday, which seek to reduce further spread and the development of new outbreaks. The Victorian Government has identified the local government areas (LGAs) of Hume, Casey and Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin as the focus of current outbreaks of concern. The AHPPC strongly discourages travel to and from those areas until control of community transmission has been confirmed.
The AHPPC supports the statements of the National Cabinet that the easing of restrictions is dependent in part on adherence to existing restrictions and our capacity to test and trace confirmed and possible cases.
All people who have been directed into home isolation and quarantine arrangements must follow these directions in order to reduce community transmission.
AHPPC further notes while the pandemic continues:
- following current physical distancing requirements is still essential, even in parts of the country without identified active cases;
- it remains important that people isolate and get tested when they experience even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms, especially young adults who often experience only mild illness and people who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19; and
- only visit people including close family members if both you and they are well and symptom free.
Read previous statements from the AHPPC.
