Another 32 locals in the City of Melton have been confirmed as having COVID19 today (Wednesday), while Moorabool has another two and Ballarat five.

Since the start of the year the Melton council area has recorded 849 known cases – and 501 are currently active.

Moorabool has recorded 26 – with 12 active, while Ballarat has seen 47 confirmed cases all up, with 22 active.

Melton continues to be the fifth-worst affected municipality behind neighbouring Wyndham (929 active), Brimbank (893 active), Hume (570) and Whittlesea (548).

The City of Greater Geelong has eight new coronavirus cases (179 active).

Health and Human Services says iut is also investigating an outbreak at Corio Village Shopping Centre.

Golden Plains (11 active) and Hepburn (0) have recorded no new cases today.

COVID-19 challenges bring small joys for families

Have you spent more time reading books or playing games with your children during the pandemic? Our latest RCH National Child Health Poll has found that despite the hardships over the last few months, Australian families have found some silver linings with 75 per cent of families reporting they are closer as a family unit and 66 per cent developed new positive family habits.However, 36 per cent of parents have said the pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of their child and a third of children who were unwell or injured during the pandemic had health care delayed or avoided, largely due to fears of catching COVID-19.Watch our video below with Dr Anthea Rhodes to hear what we found and also tips for parents to keep the positive habits going.For more information visit t.ly/Clcf

Posted by The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne on Tuesday, 4 August 2020

** Victoria has recorded 410 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number  now at 15,646.

Of those, 7877 cases are currently active in Victoria – and 662 people with the coronavirus are in hospital, including 43 in intensive care.

Health workers account for 1079 of active cases.

Aged care facilities have been linked to 1932.

Since the pandemic began, 115 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community and 82 have been linked to Glendale Aged Care Facility in Werribee.

** Victoria has also faced one of its worst days for fatalities.

There have been 21 new deaths from COVID-19 reportedsince yesterday: two women in their 70s, one man in his 70s, six women in their 80s, five men in their 80s, one woman in her 90s, five men in their 90s and one woman more than 100 years old..

16 of the 21 new deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities.

The Victorian death toll now stands at 267.

** Police and defence force personnel have also ramped up spot checks on homes, businesses and public places – with 5127 carried out in the last 24 hours.

Police have issued 184 fines, including 16 at vehicles checkpoints.

## COVID19 symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and loss of smell.

Until 28 July 2021, Worksafe must be notified on 13 23 60 when employers or self-employed people become aware of a confirmed diagnosis.

If you need to be tested, Djerriwarrh Health Services has a drive-through clinic in Barries Rd Melton, open 10.30am-6pm weekdays and 9am-12pm weekends.

People can also book a test at Darley Medical Centre on 5367 5000.

In Ballarat, you can get tested at UFS Lucas (bookings 4311 1571) or the Senior Citizens Centre at 16 Little Bridge St, 9am-2pm 7-days  (1800 054 172).

The National Coronavirus Health Information line is 1800 020 080.

Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 (24 hours), via text on 0477 13 11 14 or via online chat: www.lifeline.org.au

RELATED STORY: Your Say: I’m outraged and disappointed by the testing system in out state of Victoria

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Main Image: ADF personnel work with police at a vehicle checkpoint in Western Victoria. Pic Dustin Anderson

Gabrielle Hodson
Author: Gabrielle Hodson

Online, radio, TV and print journalist since 1993. BA (Hum) majoring in journalism Deakin University. Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MooraboolOnline I'd love to hear your news tips 🙂 Email -- news@mooraboolonloine.com.au OR send us a message via Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/MooraboolOnline