coronavirus COVID-19 testing australia
COVID-19 testing staff are seen at a pop-up site at Keilor Community Hub on June 24, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A man in his 80s died overnight in Victoria from coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 20. The death is the first COVID-19 fatality for Victoria in many weeks and also comes as 20 new coronavirus cases were confirmed today. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday warned of another possible lockdown should cases continue to rise, and has extended the state of emergency for at least four weeks to allow police the power to enforce social distancing rules. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

A man in his 80s has died of COVID-19 in Victoria. This is the first recorded death in Australia in over a month.

The country’s second most populous state continues to reel from the surge in coronavirus cases. Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton revealed that overnight, 20 new cases have been confirmed. This is an increase from 17 on Tuesday and 16 on Monday, Reuters noted. It is also the eighth straight day that double digit cases have been recorded.

The death of the older adult is the first in over a month. The last recorded coronavirus death in Australia was on May 23, when a man in his 60s succumbed to the disease. This death now brings the total Victoria tally to 20 and the national tally to 103.

“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,” said Sutton.

“That’s why we need to get on top of numbers.”

Victoria has been the hardest hit by the resurgence of the coronavirus which many consider as the “second wave.” As of Wednesday 3:00 p.m. AEST, there are 16 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospitals, seven of which are in Victoria; two are in intensive care -- the only cases currently in ICU across the country, according to data from the Australian Department of Health.

To help put a stop to the untrammeled spread of the virus, the state has asked for military assistance. The army will assist in strictly enforcing the 14-day quarantine requirement for those returning from overseas, while also offering logistical support.

"This support will mean we can get even more tests done and results back quickly -- and a stronger effort to remind Victorians if you are sick, stay home and get tested," a state spokesperson said.

There are 7,521 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia and 103 total deaths. The surge in numbers has led to longer queues at test centers.

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