COVID-19 Australia: Epidemiology Report 23. Fortnightly reporting period ending 16 August 2020

Abstract

Cumulatively to 16 August there have been 23,696 case notifications and 428 deaths. The number of new cases reported nationally this fortnight (3—16 August 2020) was 3,767, a 37% decrease from the previous fortnight (5,944). On average this represented 269 cases diagnosed each day over the reporting period, a decrease from 425 cases per day over the previous reporting period. 3,628 (96%) of all cases were reported in Victoria, with a smaller number of cases reported from NSW (125), Qld (2), WA (5), SA (6) and Tas (1). In Victoria, the majority of cases (3,284; 90%) were locally acquired, with a further 344 (10%) under investigation at the time of analysis, but likely also to be locally acquired. Of the remaining 139 cases reported, 26 (19%) were overseas acquired; 110 (80%) were locally acquired, predominantly in NSW, and 3 (2%) were reported as under investigation. The decrease in new cases observed this fortnight in Victoria is likely associated with the enhanced public health measures that are currently in place in Victoria. A total of 54 deaths were reported, all from Victoria: 52 (96%) were aged 70 years and over, and 2 (4%) were aged 30 to 69 years. Testing rates remain high across all jurisdictions, with an overall positivity rate for the reporting period of 0.6%. Victoria reported a positivity rate of 1.7% for this reporting period; in all other jurisdictions the positivity rate was 0.05% or lower.