Australia Corona Virus

Victoria records 2,297 new local COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths

Source: ABCnews

Victoria has recorded 2,297 new local COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths as the state edges closer to its vaccination targets.

It is the highest single-day total recorded by an Australian state or territory during the pandemic.

There are now 20,505 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 125 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.

The new cases were identified from 82,762 test results received by health authorities yesterday.

They take the state’s seven-day case average to about 1,806, which remains within the Burnet Institute’s modelled peak of between 1,400 to 2,900 towards the end of this month.

The spike in new infections comes as health authorities open more pop-up sites in a bid to accelerate the vaccination rollout.

Efforts are being concentrated in Melbourne’s north and south-east, where the bulk of infections are being recorded.

The latest Commonwealth data showed more than 86 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine, with more than 61 per cent fully immunised.

There were 37,611 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites yesterday, as well as more doses at GP clinics and other venues.

Experts say Victoria could be on track to reach its vaccination milestones earlier than expected.