Victoria records 429 new coronavirus cases and 13 deaths, equalling its deadliest day of the pandemic

Victoria has recorded 429 new coronavirus cases and 13 more deaths overnight, equalling its deadliest day since the pandemic began, as the Government shuts down more non-essential businesses in Melbourne.

Under stage four restrictions, which came into effect for the first time in metropolitan Melbourne last night, hairdressers, call centres and many retail businesses will be forced to close.

Shops that can remain open under stage four include supermarkets, food stores, liquor shops, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, newsagents, post offices and outlets selling disability and maternity supplies.

But hardware, building and garden stores will be open to tradespeople only, with the public limited to contactless ‘click and collect’ pick-up only.

The 13 deaths were a man aged in his 60s, two men and a woman in their 70s, two men in their 80s and five women and two men in their 90s.

Eight of the deaths were linked to aged care outbreaks.

The latest deaths take the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 136.

There are now 6,489 active coronavirus cases across the state, including 706 health care workers and 1,089 cases linked to aged care outbreaks.

The largest aged care outbreak in Victoria remains St Basil’s in Fawkner, in Melbourne’s north, which has been linked to 139 cases.

Outside of aged care, meatworks remain among the state’s biggest clusters, with 148 cases linked to Bertocchi Smallgoods in Thomastown, 129 cases linked to Somerville Retail Services in Tottenham, 86 cases linked to JBS in Brooklyn and 77 cases linked to the Australian Lamb Company in Colac, in the state’s south-west.

Health authorities are also investigating a case linked to the Northern Hospital’s intensive care unit, as well as new cases linked to Qantas Freight and the Melbourne United basketball club.

There are 416 COVID-19 patients in Victorian hospitals, 35 of whom are in intensive care units.