Australia Corona Virus

Victoria records 1,510 new local COVID-19 cases and four deaths

Source: ABCnews

Victoria has recorded 1,510 new local COVID-19 cases and four deaths as the state moves closer to a further easing of restrictions later this week.

There are now 24,715 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 234 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.

The new cases were detected from 55,679 test results received yesterday.

There were 28,232 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites, and more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.

From Friday, when the state is expected to reach its 80 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone, regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will follow the same rules, while gyms, retailers and entertainment venues will reopen to the fully vaccinated.

Melbourne’s CBD showing signs of recovery

The easing of restrictions last Friday had an immediate impact on foot traffic in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, which rose by 2,000 per cent after lockdown ended.

The City of Melbourne data showed the Chinatown and Lygon Street dining precincts also saw significantly more visitors over the weekend. 

“Knock off beers on Friday night saw 1,200 percent increase on Lygon Street and Saturday night saw a 600 percent increase in people enjoying Chinatown,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“We are really optimistic about the city’s recovery. All of the economy data tells us that the city will not just return but really exceed expectations,” she said.

Ms Capp said she was confident more people would return to the city when restrictions eased again this Friday evening. 

“It really does show that once restrictions ease, people do make the most of them,” she said.