Health Minister Jenny Mikakos confirmed the news this morning.

It comes as a worker at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne has tested positive for coronavirus.

The leading cancer centre said the staff member tested positive on Wednesday and was now recovering at home.

People who came into contact with the staff member are being notified of the result and entering 14 days of self-isolation, with the hospital forced to adjust staff rosters to cover absences.

“Our primary focus remains the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff,” the centre said in a statement on Thursday.

“We are working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to rigorously follow all relevant protocols to reduce any possible risk of further infection.”

Victoria’s number of coronavirus cases has surged to 1036, including four babies.

The state will expand its coronavirus testing criteria, ahead of the expected peak of the infection curve in June.

Mikakos says the state has boosted its testing capacity by expanding screening clinics and testing laboratories.

“This means we can test more Victorians than ever and well above the previous key target groups, the majority of which were travellers - a diminishing group,” she said.

Police officers, child protection workers, homelessness support workers and paid or unpaid workers in health care, residential care and disability care are now being encouraged to get tested if they develop symptoms.

Immunosuppressed patients admitted to hospital and patients in high-risk settings such as military operating settings, boarding schools, prisons and correctional settings are also being told to get tested if they get sick.

Meanwhile, the tight social distancing restrictions limiting the movement of Victorians have loosened a little for lovers.

“We have no desire to penalise individuals who are staying with or meeting their partners if they don’t usually reside together. We’ll be making an exemption. Hope that helps,” Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton tweeted on Wednesday.

Police Minister Lisa Neville replied saying it was a good outcome for the community.