Source: ABCnews
Victoria has recorded 1,189 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths.
There are now 11,051 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 605 people have died during the current outbreak.
There are 364 people in hospital with the virus in Victoria, of whom 80 are in intensive care and 44 are on a ventilator.
The health department said a further 39 people were in ICU but their infections were no longer considered active.
The new cases were detected from 54,467 test results received yesterday.
There were 8,433 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites yesterday, as well as more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.
Health authorities are still assessing nine suspected cases of the Omicron variant through genomic testing.
So far, three Omicron cases have been confirmed in Victoria.
Victorian government welcomes mRNA deal
The state government said the mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Victoria will create around 1,000 constructions jobs and ongoing roles.
The in-principle agreement between Moderna, the federal government and the Victorian government would see the plant producing up to 100 million shots a year.
It’s hoped the facility will be operating by 2024.
Victoria’s Minister for Medical Research, Jaala Pulford, said the deal was a boost to both the construction and scientific research sectors.
“Having Moderna here for manufacturing but also clinical trials and future research will make a profound difference to the health and wellbeing of people around the world but also provide a huge boost to the Victorian economy,” she said.
“This new facility will support 500 jobs in construction and around 500 ongoing roles.
“There’ll also be clinical trials, there will be research partnerships that will add to that number significantly as well.”
