Source: ABCnews
Victoria has recorded one COVID-19 death and 334 new locally acquired cases, the biggest daily case tally of the outbreak to date.
There were 39,027 vaccinations administered at state-run sites, with 42,998 test results received.
Of the new cases, only 149 have been so far linked to known outbreaks.
It comes as regional Victoria, with the exception of Greater Shepparton, begins its first day out of lockdown, with schools re-opening to some students and travel restrictions eased.
Hospitality venues have reopened, with strict capacity limits of 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he hoped Greater Shepparton would join the rest of regional Victoria next week, pending any further outbreak.
He also warned residents of metropolitan Melbourne not to travel to regional Victoria.
“If you are travelling into regional Victoria, you can expect to be pulled over,” Mr Andrews said.
“It won’t necessarily be every single car, but there’ll be number plate recognition technology used, there will be a static presence of Victoria Police at different parts on major roads.”
Delays expected on V/Line
Major disruptions are expected in the coming weeks on the V/Line, with 110 operational staff deemed close contacts after a train driver tested positive to COVID-19.
“People can expect disruption probably for the next couple of weeks as we work through this,” the Department of Transport’s Chris Miller said.
“We’re doing our best to make sure we facilitate extra drivers from other areas to come in, but all of that is currently being worked through.”
He said the Albury, Gippsland, Swan Hill and Warrnambool lines would be disrupted by the staff shortages, with coaches replacing trains.
According to a V/Line spokesperson, the infected driver attended one of the V/Line operations depots at Southern Cross Station over the weekend as well as on Monday and Tuesday.
V/Line was working closely with the Department of Transport and Department of Health to ensure the appropriate actions are taken in response, the spokesperson said.
