Victoria: Anti-lockdown protester among 733 new local COVID-19 cases

Victoria has recorded 733 new COVID-19 cases, including a man who attended an anti-lockdown protest, and another death.

The new infections bring the number of active cases in the state to 7,160.

The death brings the toll from the current outbreak to 21.

There were 56,520 coronavirus tests processed and 41,029 vaccine doses administered at state-run hubs on Thursday.

A man who attended the anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday, which descended on the Shrine of Remembrance, is being treated in hospital for COVID-19.

“Public health investigations are underway,” a department spokesman said.

“We are urging protesters to get tested should they experience COVID-like symptoms, no matter how mild.”

Deputy Chief Health Officer Deb Friedman had warned the out-of-control protests could become superspreader events, given the infectiousness of the Delta variant and the fact most protesters flouted mask and social distancing rules.

The protests initially began in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for the construction sector and the closure of building site tea rooms but morphed into a wider anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine movement.

Victoria Police made 92 arrests for breaches of public health orders, as well as other matters including outstanding warrants.

Police are preparing for further protests on Friday.

Source: sbs.com.au