Victoria reports 1,036 new COVID-19 cases and it hits 80 per cent full vaccination target
Victoria has reported 1,036 new local coronavirus cases and another 12 deaths as residents are warned to keep their distance and stay outside during Halloween celebrations this weekend.
The state currently has 702 people in hospital, 128 in ICU and 80 on ventilation.
Sunday’s numbers, which come from 56,768 tests conducted over the last 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, bring the number of active cases in the state to 22,013.
Victoria is now 80 per cent fully vaccinated for people aged 16 and over.
Trick-or-treaters are meanwhile being urged to stay outdoors and keep their distance to make sure Halloween doesn’t lead to a COVID-19 nightmare.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton wants parents along with children in costume planning to go house to house collecting lollies on Sunday to stick to the rules, especially since those under 12 aren’t yet eligible for a vaccine.
It is recommended trick-or-treaters stay outside and keep their distance, homes only offer individually wrapped lollies and parents encourage kids to clean their hands with sanitiser.
Any Halloween parties in homes cannot have more than 10 visitors, in line with the state’s current gathering restrictions.
From Monday, Victorians will be able to purchase rapid antigen tests from the likes of Coles and Woolworths to test themselves for the virus from home.
COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar says people should keep the tests in drawers and use them for extra reassurance when symptomatic.
As restrictions eased further ahead of the state hitting its 80 per cent full vaccination target on Saturday, Victorians enjoyed their first post-lockdown major events.
A 5,500-strong crowd was allowed through the gates of Flemington Racecourse for Saturday’s Derby Day, before almost 4,000 fans turned out for a concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the evening.
Several hundred protesters also gathered outside Victoria’s parliament on Saturday afternoon after the state government introduced new pandemic legislation.
Source: sbs.com.au
