Photo: ReutersAustralia's coronavirus death toll has risen to 438, with another 17 fatalities in Victoria. The figures come as an epidemiologist credits Victoria turning the corner in its coronavirus crisis to sacrifices made by hardest-hit communities. Commenting on the link between high case numbers in Melbourne's low socio-economic areas, Ms Bennett pointed to Victoria's botched hotel quarantine scheme. Authorities have warned of ongoing fatalities even as new case numbers decline, amid a stage-four lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne and stage-three restrictions for regional areas. A breakdown of ICU hospitalisation data released on Monday afternoon shows 31 of 49 patients are aged 60 or over.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 17, 2020 22:52 UTC