Update, 4.45pm: A sixth Bulla Dairy Foods worker has tested positive in Colac.
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Colac Area Health public affairs and communications director Kate Bibby said the current COVID-19 outbreak in Colac is unrelated to the Australian Lamb Colac abattoir and has affected multiple businesses in the community.
"We are encouraging people with even the mildest of symptoms to be tested, with testing capacity increasing and information about clinics available on Colac Area Health's website and Facebook page," she said.
"It is critical for people in the community to continue following the DHHS guidelines, as we need everybody to comply with the public health measures over the coming weeks."
Earlier, 3pm: Department of Health and Human Services data has confirmed 22 active cases in Colac Otway Shire, bringing total ever cases in the town to 114.
In a positive for the rest of the region, cases remain unchanged in Warrnambool at two, one in Corangamite Shire and zero in Moyne, Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires.
There are now 38 cases in Geelong, eight cases in Moorabool, seven in Bendigo, three in Ballarat and Horsham, two in Surf Coast Shire.
Colac testing blitz uncovers five more coronavirus cases
Earlier, 2.30pm: A testing blitz in Colac has revealed five more active cases in the community.
Colac Area Health said the testing of around 500 Bulla Dairy Foods workers at the company's Colac sites uncovered the new infections.
That takes total active cases in Colac to 22, says Colac Area Health.
More to come.
Victorian coronavirus cases back to double digits
Earlier, 12.35pm: Victorian coronavirus cases are back to double digits, with a further 81 cases and 59 deaths recorded overnight.
They include 53 people in aged care who passed away in July to August.
The lag is due to state and federal governments and the aged care sector working to reconcile data and update reporting related to deaths, said Premier Daniel Andrews.
The new deaths today include two men and one women in their 70s, one man in his 80s, two men and two women in their 90s and one woman in her 100s.
Eight of those are linked to aged care outbreaks.
There are 329 Victorians in hospital, with 20 in intensive care.
An additional 25,031 tests were carried out finding eight mystery cases with an unknown source.
"Without tests we wont know complete picture of how much virus is out there," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
Of the state's 2060 active cases, 97 are healthcare workers, 124 are in regional Victoria - a drop of two cases - 993 are in aged care and 30 are disability settings comprising of 18 staff and 12 residents.
There are now 38 cases in Geelong, seven in Bendigo and three in Ballarat.
Premier Daniel Andrews emphasised Victorians will be notified of a roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday.
"I don't want to be forecasting in too much detail what the alternative to slow opening would look like, but the notion we open a short period of time and have this get away from us with many thousands of cases in a month or two months time is not okay," he said.
"It would not just be people who are gravely ill that would die from virus, as much as every death is a tragedy, we would see more coronavirus deaths across the community.
"If someone in your family, someone you know had a heart attack or stroke for example and needed urgent care, all of those services would be compromised as well if we are overrun by this virus.
"If we can't meet demand of COVID patients, then we can't meet the demand of other patients for the care that they need.
"I understand what businesses are pushing for, we all want this to be over, but we have to do this in a safe, steady and lasting way."
Treasurer Tim Pallas announced the extension of the rental eviction moratorium until March 2021.
"Everybody needs the peace of mind to appreciate their home is a place that will stay with them during this difficulty and the government is adjusting its response," he said.
"We've assessed how this virus is presenting and length of time people need security in their residences. To ensure greater security we are extending the eviction moratorium to March 28 2021.
"We know this is disrupting the rental market and we need to support households experiencing rental distress.
"We've seen more people facing financial stress, particularly renters, as they're feeling greater uncertainty the one thing shouldn't have to feel is that their home is at risk."
Eligible residential renters can now apply for up to $3000 in rent relief, up from the previous $2000.
Grants and land tax discounts have also been extended.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said cases were trending down.
"Cases are still trending down in terms of a seven day average but it is stubborn, on a positive note, this is out of 25,000 tests, so we've got .3 per cent positivity," he said.
"It's terrific to see 25,000 people coming forward for testing, we'd like to see that on a daily basis."
All Bulla employees to now get tested for COVID-19 in Colac
Earlier, 10am: Employees at Bulla Dairy Foods' two Colac facilities are being tested for coronavirus under a precautionary new measure to curb the spread of the virus in the region.
The company screened 248 employees from the Connor Street frozen operations site after four employees from that facility tested positive to the virus this week.
There are now 17 active cases of the virus in Colac after cases emerged in a number of Colac workplaces.
Chief executive Allan Hood said a further 300 team members from the company's chilled operations Forest Street site in Colac will be tested as a precaution.
"As a precautionary measure, team members from Bulla's Forest Street site in Colac will also be tested for COVID-19 as a precautionary measure," Mr Hood said.
"This testing is defined by the DHHS as 'surveillance testing' and is being conducted as a data collecting measure, there is no self-isolation required for team members having this test at Forest Street and this site remains open."
The Connor Street site where the small cluster emerged has undergone a deep clean and will remain closed until further notice.
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"This has been a challenging week for the Bulla family, however, we were very prepared to handle a situation like this and are extremely proud of the hard work and understanding of our entire team and especially those in Colac who have been so supportive of the directives from DHHS," Mr Hood said.
"We are currently awaiting test results and once these are received will be able to plan for a safe re-open for our Connor Street site.
"Based on our regular conversations with our four team members who are unwell, we understand that they are resting at home and will continue to support them and the remainder of our team who are now in self-solation."
Colac Area Health chief executive Fiona Brew commended Bulla's swift response.
"We commend Bulla for being proactive and implementing additional health and safety protocols during the pandemic, as well as the Colac community that has been following precautions to stay safe," she said.
"Contact tracing and testing has also established a small number of other businesses, including Wydinia Early Learning Centre, have positive cases of COVID-19. These businesses have instigated appropriate public health measures in response to the positive cases and the individuals concerned are isolating with appropriate support.
"The Colac community response to the pandemic has been one of a community united, paying attention to the Chief Health Officer directives and supporting one another. Please remember to get tested, even if your symptoms are mild.
"We need to continue working together to get Colac back to zero cases and I'm confident we can achieve this if we remain vigilant and follow the advice from DHHS."
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