Victorian coronavirus cases rise by 116 as
Premier seeks to extend state of emergency
By state political reporter Richard Willingham and staff
Posted 12 hours ago, updated 2 hours ago
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-24/ ... s/12588284
Victoria has recorded 116 new coronavirus cases and 15 deaths, as Premier Daniel Andrews announced his Government will seek to change laws so that Victoria's state of emergency can be extended by another 12 months.
Key points:
Today's increase of 116 cases is the lowest since July 5, when 74 cases were reported
The 15 deaths were men and women in their 80s and older, all linked to aged care home outbreaks
The Government has announced it will release more detailed local data to help the community monitor coronavirus outbreaks
Under the state's Public Health and Wellbeing Act, a state of emergency, which must be declared in four-week blocks, can only be extended for a consecutive period of six months.
Under the state of emergency, the Chief Health Officer is able to make legally enforceable directions in order to protect public health, such as quarantine rules, mask wearing and physical distancing.
Mr Andrews said while the rolling state of emergency that began in March was due to end on September 13, it was clear it would be needed well beyond that time.
"Whilst we'd all love this to be over by the 13th of September, which is when the act says the state of emergency must end, that simply won't be the case," Mr Andrews said.
He said the Government would be meeting with all parties "quite soon" and he hoped changes to the act allowing for state of emergency declarations to be made for an 18-month period would be passed with widespread support.