Source: ABCnews
Victoria has recorded 2,232 new local cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths as the state hits its 70 per cent vaccination target.
There are now 22,889 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 187 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.
The new cases were identified from 79,544 test results received yesterday.
There were 37,824 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites, and more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.
Victoria has passed the 70 per cent full-vaccination milestone that will officially trigger the end of the state’s COVID-19 lockdown at 11:59pm tonight.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed this morning that both Victoria and Tasmania now had 70 per cent of their 16+ population fully vaccinated.
“I officially confirm, just got the figures, Victoria has reached 70.51 per cent double-dose vaccination rate right across the state. And good on Tasmania as well, because they have hit 70.6 per cent,” he told Channel Seven.
Under Victoria’s new rules, fully vaccinated people will be allowed much greater freedoms. But people who are not double-dosed will be barred from most hospitality venues and events.
COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar has confirmed the double-dose rule also applies to staff at those venues.
He said Melbourne’s citywide curfew would be in place from 9:00pm on Thursday until restrictions lifted at 11:59pm, the “witching hour” when people would be able to enjoy their new freedoms.
Staff at hospitality venues will still be allowed to go into work after the curfew kicks in at 9:00pm to get their venues ready, but patrons will need to wait until 11:59pm to leave home to get into venues.
