Australia sees first coronavirus death in over a month, amid fears of second wave

Victoria state reported 20 overnight cases and one death, as it struggles to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Melbourne

The state extended its state of emergency for another month and reimposed restrictions on gatherings, while supermarkets placed limits on specific goods

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Medical workers staff a drive-through Covid-19 testing site located in a shopping centre car park in Melbourne. The uptick in new infections has seen thousands of people queuing for tests. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:15pm, 24 Jun 2020Updated: 2:20pm, 24 Jun 2020

Australia’s second most populous state on Wednesday said a man in his 80s died overnight from Covid-19, the country’s first death from the virus in more than a month, as concerns about a second wave of infections saw thousands queue for coronavirus tests and supermarkets impose new restrictions.

Victoria state reported 20 overnight cases, Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne, taking the state tally to nearly 1,900 after recording 17 on Tuesday and 16 the day before.

“When we get additional cases, there will be a risk of people dying or be at risk of further cases being hospitalised and going to intensive care,” Sutton said. “That’s why we need to get on top of numbers.”

The upswing in new cases in Victoria has sparked fears of a second wave, with 241 cases in the state so far identified as community transmission, an increase of eight from Tuesday.

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria community engagement teams are door knocking residents in coronavirus hotspots to provide additional information about the virus. Photo: EPA-EFE

Victoria has asked for assistance from the country’s military, a spokeswoman for Premier Daniel Andrews said. Personnel will assist Victoria in enforcing a 14-day quarantine requirement imposed on all Australians and permanent residents returning from overseas.