This blog is continued from the previous report on the State of Victoria in general and Australia's lockdowns and key dates. To read Part one, or Part two from the start of the pandemic please click the links below..
Read Part One
Read Part Two

VICTORIAN DAILY COVID-19 NUMBERSVICTORIAN DAILY COVID-19 NUMBERS

Sept 27 2021-Victoria has recorded 705 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and one more death.It brings the total death toll of the current outbreak to 25.The cases were detected from 51,252 test results processed on Sunday.At state-run sites, 29,657 doses of the vaccine were administered.The City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire left lockdown at 11:59pm Sunday, with only metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire remaining in lockdown. Victoria is expected to reach its target of having 80 per cent of the population aged 16 and older vaccinated with at least one dose this week. The Victorian government will conduct trials in businesses and events across highly vaccinated parts of regional Victoria to help the state open progressively as a vaccinated economy when it meets the key double dose thresholds outlined in the state government's roadmap.
NSW DAILY NUMBERSNSW DAILY NUMBERS COVID-19


Sept 27 2021 - ( Day 93 ) NSW recorded 787 new cases of COVID-19 ( 53,957 total for current outbreak ).Over 93,577 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 12 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 309 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 )There are currently 1,155 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 214 people in intensive care, 115 of whom require ventilation.NSW unveils 3 stage reopening roadmap.
READ THE ROAD MAP

Sept 28 2021-Victoria has recorded 867 new cases of COVID 19.There were also four more deaths.This figure comes from 49,450 test results according to the DHHS.Health officials say 35,160 vaccine doses were administered in the 24 hours to Monday evening. Melbourne's lockdown will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians aged over 16 are double-vaccinated, which is forecast for October 26.A more significant easing of restrictions will occur when the 80 per cent double-dose target is met, forecast for November 5.Victoria has 375 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital,with 81 people in intensive care, 61 of whom require ventilation.The Latrobe Valley in Gippsland, in the state's east, will enter a seven-day lockdown from 11:59 PM on Tuesday as the region fights to control a COVID outbreak.

Sept 28 2021- ( Day 94 ) Dr Marianne Gale Deputy NSW Chief Health Officer announced that NSW recorded 863 new cases of COVID-19 ( 54,820 total for current outbreak ).Over 130,000 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 7 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 316 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 )1,155 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 213 people in intensive care, 113 of whom require ventilation. NSW has 85.7 % single dose and 60.4% with a double dose of COVID-19 vaccine..

Sept 28 2021-Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young announced that Queensland has recorded four new community cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, but authorities say a lockdown is not warranted "at this stage".An unvaccinated truck driver who was staying in shared accommodation has also tested positive, and was infectious in the community for eight days.

Sept 29 2021-Victoria has recorded 950 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and seven further deaths.The new infections were detected from 61,322 test results processed on Tuesday, and brings the number of active cases in the state to 9,890.There were 34,028 vaccines administered at state-run sites yesterday, with the total number including GPs and pharmacies to be confirmed later today.It was expected the state would yesterday hit a target of having 80 per cent of the 16+ population protected with at least one dose of a vaccine. Nearly half of that cohort has had both doses.The rest of regional Victoria will be allowed to have slightly more people in hospitality venues, and masks can be removed for beauty and hairdressing services if required. Victoria has 371 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital,with 81 people in intensive care, 55 of whom require ventilation.

Sept 29 2021-( Day 95 ) NSW recorded 863 new cases of COVID-19 ( 55,683 total for current outbreak ).Over 120,281 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 15 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 331 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 )1,082 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 212 people in intensive care, 108 of whom require ventilation. 

Sept 30 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,438 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and five further deaths.The deaths bring the total from this outbreak to 41.The new cases were detected from 65,497 test results processed on Wednesday.It is a sharp increase from the 950 recorded a day earlier and 867 a day before that.It once again takes the number of active infections across the state to a new record high, with 11,018 people currently recovering from COVID-19. The surge is already putting strain on a stretched healthcare system, and pressure is expected to mount until greater vaccination coverage is reached. The latest data shows 80.3 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 49.5 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated. Victoria has 398 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital,with 83 people in intensive care, 57 of whom require ventilation.The state run clinics will reduce the wait time from six weeks back to three weeks for Pfizer doses effective 4 October 2021.

Sept 30 2021-QLD records six new Covid-19 cases as New restrictions will be put in place from 4pm today ( back to stage 2 )in the LGA’s of Townsville , Morton Bay, Brisbane ,Gold Coast ,Palm Island and Logan for two weeks.

Sept 30 2021-( Day 96 ) NSW recorded 941 new cases of COVID-19 ( 56,624 total for current outbreak ).Over 120,993 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 6 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 337 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 )1,090 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 213 people in intensive care, 105 of whom require ventilation. Lockdowns were extended for 19 regional LGAS.NSW residents are 86.7 % vaccinated with the first dose and 62.9% fully vaccinated.

01 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,143 new cases of COVID-19 and three deaths.The cases were detected from 62,883 test results and bring the state's total number of active cases to 10,944.The figure is a smaller increase than Thursday's record leap of 1,438 new cases. Premier Daniel Andrews said a high number of illegal household gatherings over the AFL grand final weekend had resulted in the dramatic jump in case numbers announced on Thursday. The state has this week hit one of its milestone vaccination targets, with 80 per cent of the 16+ population having received at least one vaccine dose. Victoria has 395 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital,with 87 people in intensive care, 59 of whom require ventilation.Moorabool Regional LGA to enter a 7 day snap lockdown from tonight.Construction will resume in Victoria will resume on 5th October under strict rules. In a landmark announcement Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the state government expanded mandatory vaccinations to cover all on-site essential / authorised workers, with first dose must have been administered by October 15th and be fully vaccinated by November 26th 2021.
Read the Construction Industry RoadMap

VICTORIAN VACCINATION MADATEVICTORIAN VACCINATION MADATE

01 Oct 2021-Queensland has recorded two new community cases of COVID-19, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.One is linked to an existing cluster and the other infection was acquired interstate.The Premier said while the situation is being monitored closely, there was still no lockdown for Queensland."The fundamental reason we are not in lockdown is because we do not have any seeding or unlinked community transmission," Ms Palaszczuk said.Ms Palaszczuk said today's cases were good news for the state in the wake of multiple outbreaks in the past week.

01 Oct 2021-( Day 97 ) NSW recorded 864 new cases of COVID-19 ( 57,488 total for current outbreak ).Over 112,334 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 15 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 352 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 )1,055 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 210 people in intensive care, 104 of whom require ventilation.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced her resignation, after the state’s corruption watchdog revealed it was investigating her. The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced an investigation into whether there was a conflict of interest during her relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.ICAC is investigating whether NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian breached public trust when she awarded grants to several community organisations between 2012 and 2018.The ICAC said it would probe whether Ms Berejiklian was in a position of conflict between her public duties and her private interests when she was in a personal relationship with then-MP Daryl Maguire.
Read the statement from Gladys Berejiklian

01 Oct 2021-The ACT has recorded 52 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 — a new daily record for the territory. At least 31 of the new cases spent some time infectious in the community and 12 are currently unable to be linked to other known cases.ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr also announced the death of two more people with COVID-19 — both were residents at the Calvary Haydon aged care facility where they were receiving palliative care. Both were in their 80s. There are 11 people currently in hospital with the virus. Three people are in intensive care requiring ventilation.

01 Oct 2021-Australia is set to re-open its international borders "within weeks", the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed.In a media release issued before his press conference, Scott Morrison said large parts of the country would be moving to Phase B and Phase C of the National Plan – the latter of which will permit international travel.Following completion of home quarantine pilots in New South Wales and South Australia, it is anticipated that states and territories that are ready to do so will roll out:

-Seven-day home quarantine for Australian citizens and permanent residents fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved for use in Australia or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) such as the Chinese-made Sinovac and the Indian-made Covishield vaccines.

-14-day managed quarantine for anyone not vaccinated or vaccinated with a vaccine not approved or recognised by the TGA.

Australians who cannot be vaccinated – such as under-12s and people with certain medical conditions – will be treated as vaccinated.Travel caps are also set to be increased, and removed for vaccinated Australians."States and territories will begin this program at different times given their varying vaccination rates but we expect the system to commence in November," the release said. The international border was closed in March 2020 in response to the unfolding pandemic in Australia.
Read the Next Steps to opening up - Prime Minister Scott Morrison Statement 

02 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,488 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths, marking the highest ever daily increase in cases for the state.At state-run sites, 36,878 doses of vaccine were administered. The cases were detected from 71,224 test results and bring the state's total number of active cases to 11,591.The City of Greater Shepparton entered a seven day snap lockdown at midnight last night, with restrictions the same as those currently in place in metropolitan Melbourne but without a curfew in place.There are now 24 active cases of COVID-19 in Greater Shepparton, with the number expected to rise in coming days as health authorities express concerns about onward transmission.Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie said the measure was needed to limit the growth of cases in the same fashion as the lockdowns in Ballarat, Geelong and the Surf Coast Shire.”We’ve just seen the Ballarat and Geelong communities get through an outbreak, so we know it can be done – it’s vital we protect the local community and the rest of regional Victoria from significant outbreaks," Professor Cowie said.Moorabool Shire was also put into lockdown overnight, with 32 COVID cases linked to the LGA as of Friday. There are 429 people currently in hospital with COVID-19. Ninety-seven of them are in intensive care, and 54 are on a ventilator.

02 Oct 2021-( Day 98 ) NSW recorded 813 new cases of COVID-19 ( 58,301 total for current outbreak ).Over 98,266 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 10 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 362 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 1,005 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 202 people in intensive care, 99 of whom require ventilation.
Self-quarantine rules for people who have been in close contact with a positive case are being relaxed from October 11.Any close contact who is vaccinated will only be required to get tested and self-isolate for seven days, instead of 14.If a person tests positive for COVID-19 they will be have to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.Mr Hazzard said 66.5 per cent of the state's population aged 16 and over was now fully vaccinated, and 88.1 per cent had received their first dose.

03 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,220 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 deaths, with Melbourne set to become the most locked-down city in the world tomorrow night, beating out Argentina's Buenos Aires at 245 days in lockdown.The new cases were detected from 71,275 test results, marking a second straight record day of testing in the state. They bring the state's total number of active cases to 11,785.A total of 36,248 vaccine doses were administered at state-run sites yesterday.Over 81 per cent of Victorians have now had a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 51 per cent have been fully vaccinated. There are 476 people currently in hospital with COVID-19. 98 of them are in intensive care, and 57 are on a ventilator.

03 Oct 2021-( Day 99 ) NSW recorded 667 new cases of COVID-19 ( 58,968 total for current outbreak ).Over 88,210 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 10 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 372 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 981 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 195 people in intensive care, 93 of whom require ventilation.

04 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,377 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and four deaths.The new cases were identified from 67,789 test results received yesterday and take the state's total active cases to 12,711.There were 30,985 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites yesterday. There are 498 people currently in hospital with COVID-19. 96 of them are in intensive care, and 59 are on a ventilator.
As of 8:00pm on Sunday, a Victorian who has lived in Melbourne and not left since the beginning of the pandemic will have spent 245 days in lockdown.It is the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.Buenos Aires previously held the record, enduring a 234-day lockdown from March 20 to November 11, 2020, and a short 10-day circuit-breaker lockdown from May 21 to May 31 this year.
our lockdown dates -
Lockdown 1: March 30 to May 12, 2020 — 43 days
Lockdown 2: July 8 to October 27, 2020 —111 days
Lockdown 3: February 12 - 17, 2021 —5 days
Lockdown 4: May 27 - June 10, 2021 — 14 days
Lockdown 5: July 15 - 27, 2021 — 12 days
Lockdown 6: August 5 - October 21, 2021 — 78 days

04 Oct 2021- ( Day 100 ) NSW recorded 623 new cases of COVID-19 ( 59,591 total for current outbreak ).Over 76,892 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 6 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 378 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 959 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 193 people in intensive care, 97 of whom require ventilation. Across the state, 88.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 67.1 per cent are fully vaccinated. Lismore local government authority (LGA) has been locked down until October 11 due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.
 

05 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,763 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and four more deaths of people with the virus.The new infections were found from 62,189 test results processed on Monday.It represents the highest daily number of local cases ever recorded in any state or territory, surpassing the peak of 1,599 recorded in the New South Wales outbreak.It is a dramatic rise from the 1,488 that was Victoria's previous high, which was taken from Friday's tests.On that day, authorities warned that if infection rates continued to rise, there would be grave consequences for the health system, which is already experiencing ambulance ramping and workforce issues. The latest daily tally is the sixth in a row with a case count above 1,000, and the seven-day average of new local infections now sits at 1,340.The spread is largely being attributed to the virus getting into large households, and banned contact in homes such as family or social gatherings.The Burnet Institute modelling underpinning the roadmap forecasts a seven-day average of 1,400 to 2,900 daily cases between October 19 and 31.There have been hopes the rapid rise would begin to stabilise in Victoria once the state hit the 50 per cent double-dose mark, as happened in New South Wales.

05 Oct 2021-( Day 101  ) NSW recorded 608 new cases of COVID-19 ( 60199 total for current outbreak ).Over 85,642 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 7 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 385 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 978 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 190 people in intensive care, 94 of whom require ventilation.Dominic Perrottet is elected by the party ballot as the new NSW Premier.

06 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,420 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and the deaths of 11 more people with the virus.It is the highest daily death toll of the state's third wave, and takes the number of fatalities of this outbreak to 68.The new cases were found from 71,451 test results processed on Tuesday.It comes a day after a record high daily tally of 1763 new infections was reported the highest for any jurisdiction in Australia since the pandemic began.There are currently 525 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 94 people in intensive care, 53 of whom require ventilation.83.8 per cent of Victorians have now had a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 54 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

06 Oct 2021-( Day 102  ) NSW recorded 594 new cases of COVID-19 ( 60,793 total for current outbreak ).Over 90,680 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 10 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 395 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 959 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 188 people in intensive care, 93 of whom require ventilation.

07 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,638 new locally acquired COVID-19 infections and two deaths.The deaths take the toll of this outbreak to 70.The new infections were found from 77,238 test results processed on Wednesday — a record for the state.They take the number of active cases across the state to 15,074, which is another record high. From today, thousands of Victorians who have been stranded in locked-down parts of New South Wales and the ACT will be able to apply to return home.There are 564 people currently in hospital with COVID-19. 115 of them are in intensive care, and 74 are on a ventilator.

07 Oct 2021-( Day 103 ) NSW recorded 594 new cases of COVID-19 ( 61,387 total for current outbreak ).Over 112,186 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 8 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 403 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 911 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 181 people in intensive care, 85 of whom require ventilation.NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a set of "major changes" to the NSW roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, including doubling the cap on household visitors from Monday.The changes to the roadmap was made before the health minister revealed the state 587 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday.

From Monday, October 11, fully vaccinated people will be given more freedoms, including:

-10 adults will be allowed to gather in homes (was previously five)

-30 adults will be allowed to gather in public outdoor spaces (was previously 20)

-Indoor pools will be reopened

-Increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50)

Yesterday, NSW became the first Australian state to fully vaccinate 70 per cent of its population aged 16 and above against COVID-19.

08 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,838 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and five deaths ( 75 for the current outbreak )
The peak of Victoria's daily infections is projected to still be weeks away, with social gatherings around the AFL grand final weekend linked to the surge in numbers.Health authorities have said the state is still on track to reach the vaccination targets set out in Victoria's roadmap in order to lift lockdowns.There were 36,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered at state-run sites yesterday, and tens of thousands more through GPs and pharmacies.More than 84.1 per cent of Victorians have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 55.5 per cent are now fully vaccinated.The cases were identified from 77,554 tests processed on Thursday.It brings the total number of active cases in the state to 16,823, which is another record for the state.
There are currently 620 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 114 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.

08 Oct 2021-( Day 104 ) NSW recorded 646 new cases of COVID-19 ( 62,033 total for current outbreak ).Over 103,388 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 11 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 414 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 856  COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 170 people in intensive care, 75 of whom require ventilation.NSW a is 89.4% first dose and 70.3% double dose.

09 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,965 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and five deaths.It marks the highest daily case tally in any Australian jurisdiction since the beginning of the pandemic. It brings the total number of active cases in the state to 17,199 and the total death toll for the current outbreak to 80.At state-run sites, 41,177 doses of the vaccine were administered, with more than 56 per cent of Victoria's over-16 population now fully vaccinated.There were 73,443 test were conducted in the past 24 hours.It comes as the City of Mildura was placed into a seven day snap lockdown at 11:59pm yesterday in response to a concerning jump in case numbers.Meanwhile, Greater Shepparton and Moorabool Shire leave their week-long snap lockdown, with public health officials "confident that both the lockdown — and the commitment of the community — have slowed potential growth".
There are currently 578 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 117 people in intensive care, 83 of whom require ventilation.

09 Oct 2021-( Day 105 )NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet reported that NSW recorded 580 new cases of COVID-19 ( 62,613 total for current outbreak ).Over 79,894 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 11 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 425 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 812 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 163 people in intensive care, 75 of whom require ventilation. New South Wales is gearing up to pass the 90 per cent first dose vaccination rate of its eligible population as the state moves to lift stay at home orders on Monday. The state currently has 71.5 per cent of the population (eligible adults aged 16 and over) fully vaccinated and marked 89.8 per cent with a first dose yesterday. 

10 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,890 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.Five people also died, taking the death toll for the current outbreak to 85.It brings the total number of active cases in the state to 18,342, with 74,105 Victorians getting tested for COVID yesterday.State-run sites administered 39,861 doses of the vaccine with more than 86 per cent of Victorians having now received at least one jab of a COVID vaccine and more than 57 per cent fully vaccinated.Vaccinated economy trials begin in regional Victoria on Monday with crowds trialled at events in Regional Victoria and 10,000 punters allowed to attend the Melbourne Cup on November 02.There are currently 609 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 126 people in intensive care, 88 of whom require ventilation.

10 Oct 2021-( Day 106 ) NSW recorded 477 new cases of COVID-19 ( 63,090 total for current outbreak ).Over 86,155 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 6 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 431 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 794 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 159 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.

11 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,612 new local cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths ( 93 for the current outbreak ) as the state edges closer to its vaccination goals.The new cases were detected from 73,138 test results processed yesterday, and take the state's active cases to 19,012.There were 34,279 doses of vaccine were administered at state-run sites and thousands more at GPs and pharmacies.More than 85.8 per cent of Victorians aged over 16 have had at least one dose of vaccine.There are currently 677 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 133 people in intensive care, 94 of whom require ventilation.

11 Oct 2021-( Day 107 ) Over 5 million fully vaccinated NSW residents celebrated freedom day as Pubs ,Clubs, Restaurants,Beauty,Retail,Gyms,Cinemas and Theatres open up as restrictions ease.NSW residents will also have no 5km travel rules and can have 10 visitors to their homes or meet up to 30 people at outdoor gatherings.NSW recorded 498 new cases of COVID-19 ( 63,588 total for current outbreak ).Over 83,498 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 8 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 439 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 769 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 153 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.NSW currently has 73.5 per cent of the population (eligible adults aged 16 and over) fully vaccinated and 90.3 per cent with a first dose.

12 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,466 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and eight deaths as the state tries to bring its Delta outbreak under control.There are now 19,627 active cases of the virus in the state, and 101 people have died in Victoria during the current outbreak.The new cases were identified from 68,509 test results received yesterday.Meanwhile, 36,383 doses of vaccine were administered at state-run sites and thousands more doses were given at GP clinics and other venues. According to the latest figures, 85.8 per cent of people over the age of 16 in Victoria have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 59.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.There are currently 675 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 144 people in intensive care, 100 of whom require ventilation.

12 Oct 2021-( Day 108 )NSW recorded 360 new cases of COVID-19 ( 63,948 total for current outbreak ).Over 88,988 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 5 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 444 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 766 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 155 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation. NSW Health indicated that 90.4 per cent of people aged over 16 have had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 74 per cent were now fully-vaccinated.

13 Oct 2021-Victoria records 1,571 new cases and 13 deaths. The death toll is the highest in one day from the outbreak so far, which has so far claimed 114 lives.The new cases were identified from 79,200 test results received yesterday, and 38,072 doses of vaccine were administered at state-run sites.  61.5% Victorians over 16 years old are now fully-vaccinated and 86.2% have had their first jab.There are currently 705 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 146 people in intensive care, 92 of whom require ventilation.

13 Oct 2021-( Day 109 )NSW recorded 444 new cases of COVID-19 ( 64,392 total for current outbreak ).Over 105,558 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 4 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 448 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 716 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 150 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.Three-out-of-four people in NSW over 16 years old are now fully-vaccinated and 90.8 per cent have had their first jab.

Vaccination targets Australia - October 2021Vaccination targets Australia - October 2021.

14 Oct 2021-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.Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victoria has 87.6 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine, with more than 62% 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.While the Mitchell Shire, on the outskirts of Melbourne's north, came out of lockdown at midnight, the rural city of Mildura, in the state's north-west, has not as authorities attempt to stamp out a growing outbreak.There are 706 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 147 of those cases are in intensive care, with 100 cases on a ventilator. Of the people in hospital yesterday, 90 per cent were not fully vaccinated.

14 Oct 2021-( Day 110 )NSW recorded 406 new cases of COVID-19 ( 64,798 total for current outbreak ).Over 85,000 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 6 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 454 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 711 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 143 people in intensive care, 76 of whom require ventilation.NSW Health says 91.1 per cent of people over the age of 16 have now had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 76.5 per cent are double-dosed.Dominic Perrottet says the state is expected to hit the 80 per cent double-dosed target over the weekend.That is due to trigger more restrictions being eased on Monday.

15 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 2,179 new local COVID-19 cases and six deaths as the deadline for authorised workers to be vaccinated passes.The death toll for the current Delta outbreak stands at 131, and there are now 21,324 active cases of the virus in Victoria.The new cases were detected from 73,942 test results received yesterday.There were 38,752 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites, and more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.There are currently 695 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 157 people in intensive care, 101 of whom require ventilation.The City of Mildura will have its lockdown extended for a further seven days, after 34 new cases were detected in its outbreak.Mildura was put into a snap lockdown last Friday following a spike in cases, with those restrictions now set to continue until next Friday.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley announced that Fully vaccinated people in New South Wales red zones will be able to enter Victoria without quarantining from 11:59pm October 19.Previously, travel permits from red zones were only available to Victorian residents who were forced to quarantine for 14 days regardless of vaccination status. Under the changes, fully vaccinated travellers from red zones will need a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to entering Victoria. They will then need to quarantine upon arrival, get tested, and remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result.

15 Oct 2021-( Day 111 )NSW recorded 399 new cases of COVID-19 ( 65,197 total for current outbreak ).Over 85,000 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 4 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 458 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 677 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 145 people in intensive care, 77 of whom require ventilation.

NSW will remove the hospitality caps and remove the Hotel Quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers on November 1st. In a major policy shift, Premier Dominic Perrottet announced people from his state would "be travelling to Bali before Broome" when the reforms come into effect on November 1.However NSW regional travel has been delayed for two weeks to allow the regions to catch up with the vaccination rates.

15 Oct 2021-The ACT has recorded 35 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases. There has also been another COVID-19 death —a woman in her 70s at the Calvary Haydon aged care facility.This death is the eight in the Territory's current Delta outbreak. There are 16 people in hospital with the virus, including eight people in intensive care.Today is the first day out of lockdown for the ACT.

15 Oct 2021-Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has announced a snap three-day lockdown for the state's south, saying "we can't continue to wait" after it was revealed a COVID-positive traveller fled hotel quarantine and visited a supermarket.The lockdown will take effect at 6pm AEDT and will end at 6pm on Monday October 18, subject to Public Health Advice."One of the things we do not want to be in this state is either Sydney or Melbourne who acted too late in both instances when dealing with Delta," Mr Gutwein said.The lockdown of southern Tasmania includes the Local Government Areas of Brighton, Central Highlands, Clarence City, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Hobart City, Huon Valley, Sorell, Southern Midlands, Tasman and Kingborough.

16 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,993 COVID-19 cases and seven deaths. There have been 138 deaths in Victoria during the Delta outbreak.The new infections were detected from 79,214 test results and bring the total number of active cases in the state to 21,647.This weekend may be the last Melburnians spend in lockdown, with Premier Daniel Andrews confirming last week that restrictions would be eased when 70 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.The state is on track to meet that milestone this week. The latest data shows 87.6 per cent of people in that group have received at least one vaccine dose, and 63.8 per cent have been fully vaccinated.There are currently 798 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 163 people in intensive care, 106 of whom require ventilation.

16 Oct 2021-( Day 112 )NSW recorded 319 new cases of COVID-19 ( 65,516 total for current outbreak ).Over 63,311 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 2 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 460 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 652 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 138 people in intensive care, 73 of whom require ventilation.

16 Oct 2021-The ACT has recorded 20 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.It is the lowest tally in 18 days.Fourteen of the new cases are linked to known infections or clusters.Fifteen patients are in Canberra hospitals, including 10 in intensive care.

17 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,838 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths.The new cases were detected from 73,501 tests and bring the total number of active cases to 23,376.The state government is expected to outline as early as today a further easing of lockdown restrictions once the state hits its 70 per cent double-vaccination target.Victoria wasn't expected to reach its 70 per cent double-dose target until October 26, but a surge in people getting their COVID vaccinations means it could be achieved by this Thursday. The latest Commonwealth data shows that 88 per cent of Victorians aged 16+ have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 65 per cent have been fully vaccinated.There are currently 777 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 151 people in intensive care, 94 of whom require ventilation.
The lockdown in Melbourne and parts of regional Victoria will lift from 11:59pm on Thursday ( 21 October 2021) when the state is expected to reach its goal of having 70 per cent of those aged 16+ fully vaccinated.Across the state, people will be allowed to have 10 visitors at their home each day, including dependents.In metropolitan Melbourne, the curfew and the 15-kilometre travel radius will be lifted, but travel restrictions between Melbourne and regional Victoria will remain in place.Child care will remain open to those already attending, as well as to the children of fully vaccinated adults.In Melbourne, most outdoor venues such as cafes, cinemas and pools, will be able to open to up to 50 people, subject to density limits.Indoor venues such as cafes and restaurants will be able to open to 20 people, with density limits and as long as everyone is fully vaccinated.In regional Victoria, most of which is already operating under eased restrictions, 30 fully vaccinated people will be allowed in indoor settings and up to 100 in outdoor settings.
READ THE UPDATED ROAD MAP FOR VICTORIA 

17 Oct 2021-( Day 113  )NSW recorded 301 new cases of COVID-19 ( 65,817 total for current outbreak ).Over 69,107 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 10 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 470 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 619 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 137 people in intensive care, 71 of whom require ventilation. NSW Health says 91.9 % of people over the age of 16 have now had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 80 % are double-dosed.New South Wales has hit its 80% COVID-19 vaccination milestone, a week earlier than initially expected.That means NSW progressed to the next stage of the roadmap for easing restrictions, with the new rules kicking in from Monday, October 18.

Read the NSW 80% Roadmap to re-opening. 

17 Oct 2021-The ACT has recorded 33 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.Of the new cases, 24 are linked to known infections or clusters.There are 16 people in hospital with the virus, with nine in intensive care.There are now 486 active cases in the ACT.More than 78 per cent of Canberrans aged 12 and over are now fully vaccinated.

18 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,903 new local COVID-19 cases and seven deaths as the state moves closer to the end of its lockdown. There are now 22,327 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 152 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.The new cases were identified from 69,825 test results received yesterday.There were 32,405 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites yesterday, and more doses delivered at GP clinics and other venues.Yesterday,Premier Daniel Andrews announced Victoria’s lockdown would end at 11.59 on Thursday when the state reaches its goal of having 70 per cent of people aged 16+ fully vaccinated. There are currently 851 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital,with 155 people in intensive care,  103 of whom require ventilation.

18 Oct 2021-( Day 114 ) NSW recorded 265 new cases of COVID-19 ( 66,082 total for current outbreak ).Over 60,273 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 5 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 475 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 608 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 132 people in intensive care, 71 of whom require ventilation. Further restrictions have been lifted for fully vaccinated people, after the state hit the 80 per cent double-vaccination target on Saturday. Across NSW, 92 per cent of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 80.3 per cent were fully vaccinated.

18 Oct 2021-The ACT has recorded 17 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.Eleven of today's cases are linked to a known source.There are 17 people in hospital with the virus — nine of those in intensive care.More than 79.5  per cent of Canberrans aged 12 and over are now fully vaccinated.

18 Oct 2021-Queensland has recorded zero new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.In the past 24 hours, the state conducted 5,718 tests and administered 14,920 vaccines in state-run hubs.Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland border will begin a phased reopening to fully vaccinated people in one month as outlined in a new roadmap being announced today.Ms Palaszczuk said modelling showed 80 per cent of Queenslanders could be fully vaccinated by December 17."Travellers from a designated interstate hotspot can travel by road or by air, they must be fully vaccinated, they must have a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours and no quarantine will be required," Ms Palaszczuk said.
Read the QLD 70% / 80% Roadmap

19 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,749 new local COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths. There are now 22,476 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 163 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.The new cases were detected from 68,702 test results received yesterday.There were 36,751 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites yesterday, as well as more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues. 88.4 % of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 66.7 % were fully vaccinated across Victoria.There are currently 784 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 149 people in intensive care, 100 of whom require ventilation. 

19 Oct 2021-( Day 115 ) NSW recorded 273 new cases of COVID-19 ( 66,355  total for current outbreak ).Over 90,597 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 4 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 479 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 589 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 128 people in intensive care, 69 of whom require ventilation. 92.1 % of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 80.8 % were fully vaccinated.

20 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,841 new local COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths as the state moves closer to coming out of lockdown.There are now 22,598 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 175 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.The new infections were detected from 78,928 test results received yesterday.According to the latest Commonwealth vaccination numbers, 89.21 per cent of people aged 16+ in Victoria have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 69.28 per cent are fully vaccinated.Restrictions will be eased in Victoria at 11:59pm on Thursday, after the state reaches the 70 per cent fully vaccinated milestone.There are currently 786 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 147 people in intensive care, 97 of whom require ventilation. 

20 Oct 2021-( Day 116 ) NSW recorded 283 new cases of COVID-19 (  66,638 total for current outbreak ).Over 88,664 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 7 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 486 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 552 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 124 people in intensive care, 66 of whom require ventilation. 92.3 % of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 81.6 % were fully vaccinated.

21 Oct 2021-Victoria's lockdown six will end at 11:59pm tonight after 78 Days.
Victoria has passed the 70 per cent full-vaccination milestone that will officially trigger the end of the state's COVID-19 lockdown tonight.Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed this morning that both Victoria and Tasmania now had 70 per cent of their 16+ population fully vaccinated.Under the 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.

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.There are currently 779 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 141 people in intensive care, 96 of whom require ventilation. 
Mildura will leave its lockdown a day early at 11.59 tonight, bringing it into line with the rest of the state.The regional Victoria area went into lockdown at 11.59pm on Friday October 8 with the order slated to end after seven days.But after recording the highest number of cases in any regional area, the lockdown was extended for another week and was expected to end on Friday at 11.59pm.

21 Oct 2021-NSW recorded 372 new cases of COVID-19 ( 67,101 total for current outbreak ).Over 86,235 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.NSW recorded 1 new deaths in the last 24 hours ( 487 for the current outbreak since 16 June 2021 ) There are currently 523 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 124  people in intensive care, 64 of whom require ventilation. 92.5 % of people aged 16 and over had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 82.3 % were fully vaccinated.

22 Oct 2021-Victorians have endured one of the bluntest and most controversial public health tools used during the pandemic.As of today, the lockdown has lifted from Melbourne, and along with it, the curfew.There are hopes the measures will not be needed again any time soon in a highly vaccinated population.

With the eased restrictions come a raft of returned freedoms,including dine-in hospitality, outdoor activities and limited visitors to the home. 

Counts of days spent under lockdown vary, but most find Melburnians have now spent the longest period under COVID-19 lockdown restrictions as any other city in the world.

But while the usefulness of lockdown in curbing movement and preventing a catastrophic overwhelming of health systems has been broadly accepted, the curfew has remained a controversial measure. For many Victorians, the blanket ban on movement outside the home between 8pm or 9pm and 5am made no material difference to their lives.For others, it was a disturbing overreach by the state government as it sought to rein in ballooning cases during Melbourne's worst outbreaks. Controversy swirled around its use right up to the final minute, as authorities told Melburnians to wait until precisely 11:59pm Thursday to leave their homes and enjoy a midnight outing to a reopened business.

"You'll have to wait for the witching hour to strike and then you can make your way down to the local pub," COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said on Wednesday.An initial ruling that hospitality workers should also wait until midnight to leave home to open their businesses was backtracked hours later after a backlash.While the heated debate over the curfew has unfolded in plain sight, its precise impact on infection control has been more difficult to quantify. After reintroducing the curfew again during the most recent lockdown, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said it was one of "a suite of interventions" that had proved successful in the past.

"In last year's second wave, to drive down from around 700 cases to zero ... an aggressive suppression strategy was one of the most successful in the world," he said.Both Professor Sutton and police have previously said the curfew made it easier for police to identify people breaking the rules.University of Melbourne epidemiologist and head of population and global health Nancy Baxter said it was difficult to pinpoint the precise effect of curfews, as they were always accompanied by other rules.

24 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded the deaths of 11 more people with COVID-19 and 1,935 new cases of the virus.The new infections were found from 69,624 tests processed on Saturday, which was Melbourne's second day out of lockdown. It brings the number of active infections in the state to 24,993.There are now 787 people in Victorian hospitals with COVID-19, 17 more than yesterday, suggesting a "welcome" plateau discussed by authorities yesterday has continued.There are 146 people receiving intensive care, including 93 people on a ventilator.The vast majority of those in hospital had not received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.The deaths of 11 people bring the toll for this outbreak to 223.

COVID restrictions will ease from 6pm Friday as Melbourne and regional Victoria align once the state reaches its 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone.Regional Victorians will be able to travel to Melbourne, and Melbournians to the regions, opening up reunions for family and friends who have not seen each other for months.

In addition to the removal of travel restrictions, from Friday when the state is predicted to reach 80 per cent vaccination:

• Most indoor settings, including restaurants, pubs, gyms and hairdressers will open with no caps subject to a density quotient of one person per four square metres if all staff and patrons are fully vaccinated. Most outdoor settings will remain at the one person per two square metre limit up to 500, where staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.
• These indoor and outdoor settings will also apply to weddings, funerals and religious gatherings if all attendees are fully vaccinated. Caps of 30 people will apply for weddings, funerals and religious gatherings if vaccination status is unknown.
• Entertainment venues will reopen. For indoor seated venues including cinemas and theatres, there will a 75 per cent capacity or one person per four square metres up to 1000 people and for non-seated indoor entertainment venues the density quotient will be the same but with no patron cap.
• Outdoor seated and non-seated entertainment venues including stadiums, zoos and tourism attractions will be open with a one per two square metre limit up to 5000 where staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.
• Events - such as music festivals - will be able to host up to 5000 people, subject to any restrictions related to the venue. The Chief Health Officer may also grant an approval for larger crowds for significant events and venues under the Public Events Framework.
• Masks will remain mandatory indoors but are no longer required outdoors though it is highly recommended masks are worn outdoors if you cannot physically distance, such as busy street or outdoor market.

And less than a month later, around November 24 when the state hits 90 per cent double dosed, caps or density quotients will be removed for all settings and masks will only be mandatory indoors in high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care and public transport.

That means, the restrictions easing at 90 per cent vaccination include:

• No limit to number of people who can gather indoors or outdoors
• Masks not required except in his risk settings where socially distancing is difficult
• On-site work may return for anyone who is fully vaccinated
• Hospitality venues can operate at maximum capacity subject to vaccination requirements and COVID safe measures
• Events may return with no attendee caps for fully vaccinated
• State significant venues hosting major events will need to have one-off approval of their COVIDsafe venue plan

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the easing of restrictions at 80 per cent, and further at 90 per cent double dosed was thanks to Victorians getting vaccinated "in record time and record numbers".

"There is a fundamental agreement that we have reached with the Victorian community. We asked you to get vaccinated. You have done that in record time any record numbers. And that means we have to open the place up and we have to have a series of rules, we have to have settings, that are the lightest touch possible, the simplest, the most easily understood, that are as close to normal life as possible," he said.

Read the Statement from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

Read the updated Victorian RoadMap here-

Covid-19 numbers Victoria

26 Oct 2021-South Australia's long-anticipated "Roadmap to re-opening the state" and managing COVID-19 in the community has finally been released.South Australia will ease its border restrictions with the rest of the country from November 23, but only for those travellers who are double-vaccinated. November 23 has been flagged as the date South Australia will have 80 per cent of its population aged 16 years and over double-dosed. People wanting to travel into South Australia who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will have to go through an approval process. 

Read the South Australian COVID-Ready Plan 

26 Oct 2021-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.There are now 817 people in hospital, of whom 147 are in intensive care, and 88 are on a ventilator.Premier Daniel Andrews said 87 per cent of the people in hospital, and 96 per cent of the people in intensive care were not fully vaccinated."The protection that these vaccines give you is clearly proven and they will keep you out of hospital. They will keep you well and safe," he said."It's how we open up and stay open. It's how we normalise this and it's how we live with COVID."The new cases were detected from 55,679 test results received yesterday.Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said Casey and Greater Dandenong had the highest number of new cases, with 169 and 140 respectively.There were 28,232 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites, and more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.

28 Oct 2021-Victoria has recorded 1,923 new local COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths as the state prepares for another easing of restrictions tomorrow.It is the highest single-day death toll recorded during Victoria's current outbreak.There are now 22,189 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 272 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.The new cases were detected from 82,648 test results received yesterday.There were 21,272 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites, and more vaccinations at GP clinics and other venues.Restrictions across the state are set to further ease when 80 per cent of its population aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated, expected to happen tomorrow.From 6pm on Friday, masks will no longer be mandatory outdoors, non-essential retail stores and gyms will reopen and travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria will be allowed.There are currently 746 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 137 people in intensive care, 85 of whom require ventilation.

18 NOV 2021-Victoria today recorded 1,007 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.There are now 13,814 active cases of the virus in Victoria, and 445 people have died during the current Delta outbreak.There are 337 people in hospital with COVID-19, of whom 63 are in intensive care, and 34 are on a ventilator.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a wide-ranging easing of COVID-19 restrictions across Victoria with the state due to reach a major vaccination milestone this weekend.

From 11:59 pm tonight, there will no longer be density limits at hospitality venues, restrictions of home visits will be removed, and masks will no longer be required in most settings."You will be able to go back to normal," Mr Andrews said."You will have the normalcy you have missed.""This is a safe delivery of the national plan, I am not only proud of Victorians but also deeply grateful."Masks will still be required in health facilities, public transport, retail settings, and in primary schools.Events with fewer than 30,000 people can go ahead without an approved COVID-safe plan, but larger events like the Boxing Day Test and the Australian Open would need an approved plan.Both of those major summer cricket and tennis events will proceed at full capacity.

From tonight, self-quarantine requirements for COVID-19 cases and close contacts will be significantly eased.
Under the new settings:

• Positive cases will now have to isolate for 10 days instead of 14
• There will no longer be contact tracing related to positive cases and exposure sites will not be published
• Household close contacts will have to isolate for seven days if fully vaccinated and 14 days if not vaccinated
• Non-household close contacts will only have to isolate until they get a negative test result
• Cases will have to notify their workplace, school or childcare about a positive result

The government said the new requirements are based on modelling from the Burnet Institute and international experience.

READ THE STATEMENT FROM DANIEL ANDREWS 

23 December 2021- Victoria's Chief Health Officer says an indoor mask mandate coming into effect tonight is a "critical" measure to dampen the spread of the Omicron variant, but an accelerated delivery of booster vaccination doses must be the "backbone" of the state's response.Masks will be mandatory indoors in Victoria from 11:59pm tonight for people aged eight years and over, in a rule which applies to all indoor settings except private homes.Acting Premier James Merlino said masks would also be required when people were moving around at major events of more than 30,000 people, but not when they were seated outdoors.Mr Merlino said Victoria was in one of the "strongest" positions in the world to combat the new variant due to its high vaccination rate.However, he said there was a "need to be smart" to make sure the health system was not overwhelmed.There are 14,801 active COVID-19 cases in Victoria, and 655 people have died during the current outbreak based on the latest Department of Health data.There are 398 COVID-19 patients in Victorian hospitals, including 72 active cases in intensive care and 39 patients on a ventilator.

23 December 2021-Masking wearing indoors will become mandatory in NSW from midnight tonight as the state government reintroduces restrictions to curb the Omicron wave.Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced density limits of one person per 2 square metres for hospitality venues would also be reinstated from December 27, while QR code measures will be "back in a limited way".The mask and density rules will be in place until January 27.The wearing of masks indoors and the use of QR code check-ins were largely scrapped on December 15 but the state has seen a big increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.Mr Perrottet said QR codes would be reintroduced in hospitality and retail settings.He said the changes were "modest" and would relieve the strain on a health system decimated by the loss of 1,500 staff members who were unwell or isolating.
NSW recorded 5,715 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday as the number of people being admitted to hospital with the virus continues to rise.It is the highest number of daily COVID-19 infections recorded in any Australian jurisdiction, and a rise of 1,952 from yesterday when the state recorded 3,763 cases.Hospitalisations for COVID have risen to 347, up from 302 in the previous reporting day, with 45 patients in ICU.Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said it was estimated 80 per cent of the state's cases were the Omicron strain, which explained the steep rise in infections.

23 December 2021-South Australia has recorded 484 new cases of COVID-19, with seven hospitalisations.Seven people are in hospital, including a man in his 30s who is ventilated in ICU.The state now has 36 Omicron cases.

23 December 2021-Queensland has recorded 369 cases of COVID-19, a new record in a single day for the state.The previous record was yesterday, with 186 cases and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said COVID numbers would continue to rise."I want stay safe over Christmas and New Year but we will see an escalation of cases like we're seeing in other states," she said at a media conference on the Gold Coast.

05 Jan 2022-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today that COVID testing requirements have been slashed by national cabinet in an effort to ease pressure on the strained testing regime.People with a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) will no longer be required to get a PCR test, regular testing for truck drivers is being scrapped, and international arrivals will not be required to get multiple tests.National cabinet has also agreed to provide up to 10 free rapid antigen tests for concession card holders over the next three months.The subsidised tests will be available in the next fortnight. There has been a shortage of the home-testing kits as COVID case numbers have risen and testing requirements have changed.Free tests have been restricted to close contacts, people with symptoms, health care workers and aged care workers.The federal government maintains that it will not provide RATs free for anyone wanting access to them.
The national cabinet decision comes as medical experts warned that long COVID-19 testing queues and wait times would continue for several more weeks, as pathology labs struggle with demand.Mr Morrison said national cabinet was aware of the "incredibly frustrating and highly disruptive" delays to testing services. He attributed these delays to higher numbers of cases produced by the Omicron variant."With Omicron, as we know, as the Chief Medical Officer has said on a number of occasions now, this is a strain that is less severe but more contagious," he said."As a result, we are dealing with much higher levels of cases."Mr Morrison warned Australians who were hoping to purchase their own tests that access to RATs at pharmacies and retailers would be constrained for several weeks as they await further supplies.