A third consecutive day of double-digit new virus coronavirus cases recorded in Victoria has authorities hoping it is only a slight deviation from a downward trend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While the rest of the country's infections decline, Victoria's active cases rose to 91 on Friday, up from 66 four weeks ago, but authorities are relieved that they know the links to most of the cases.
"We're hoping that this isn't the beginning of a second wave and we're doing everything we absolutely can to make sure that that's not the case," Victorian Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen said.
"My hope is that this is a blip and that we will continue in a downwards trend."
Up to five of Friday's 13 new cases are linked to the Stamford Plaza Hotel cluster, which houses returned travellers, and where seven people have contracted the virus.
Contracted security guards at the hotel were infected after a worker there tested positive last Wednesday.
The health department confirmed all five guards worked shifts over a similar period.
One of the confirmed cases at the hotel is a member of a family outbreak in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs
The Rydges on Swanston Hotel, which also houses returned travellers, had one more case identified as connected to its outbreak.
Only one returned traveller tested positive on Friday while one other case remains under investigation.
"All of the security guards are trained," Dr van Diemen said.
"It does appear that there have been some breaches of those guidelines at this point in time."
Dr van Diemen said Friday's numbers were less concerning given the known links of most of these cases.
But health authorities will remain vigilant before Victoria's next step to ease restrictions, scheduled for Monday.
Gyms, cinemas, indoor sports centres and concert venues are scheduled to reopen on Monday while cafes, restaurants and pubs will increase capacity from 20 people to 50.
Eighteen new cases were recorded on Thursday, including eight community transmissions, and 21 on Wednesday, the state's biggest increase in more than a month.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the government was keeping a close eye on the numbers.
"If there's any change to those restrictions, we'll give that information to the Victorian community as quickly as we possibly can," she said.
The state has had a total of 1792 cases.
Australian Associated Press
