Victoria has recorded nine further deaths of people with Covid-19 and 1750 new locally acquired cases.
Vaccination signs in Melbourne. Photo: AFP
The new infections were found from 72,858 test results processed on Friday, the day Melbourne and Mildura emerged from lockdown.
The numbers are down from yesterday when there were 2189 new local Covid-19 cases and 16 deaths in Victoria, while New South Wales yesterday recorded 345 new cases and five deaths.
Strict density caps remain in place and most retail is still closed, but hospitality venues and beauty services have been packed with Melburnians enjoying their new freedoms.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton yesterday warned while people should celebrate the new rules, there would be “more Covid in the community, really than at any other point in time”.
More than 72 percent of Victorians aged 16 and older have now had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.
There will be greater easing of restrictions from the 80 percent mark, a target expected to be hit within the week.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 sits at 770, with 144 of those receiving intensive care. Across the state, there are 90 people receiving ventilation.
The nine further deaths brings the toll from this outbreak to 212.
No new exposure sites have been listed on the health department’s website, a move representing the state’s shift away from Covid-zero.
Crowds of up to 5500 at Flemington for Derby Day
A crowd of up to 5500 will be allowed at Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day next Saturday, the government has confirmed.
The Spring Racing Carnival mainstay will be the first large event in the state to run as a trial of the “vaccinated economy”, with only double-dosed people allowed to attend Flemington on 30 October.
“The Chief Health Officer has approved a fully-vaccinated crowd of up to 5,500 at Flemington for Derby Day under strict trial conditions including separate zones with dedicated course entrances, allocated seats, seated service of food and drink and mandatory mask wearing,” the government said in a statement.
The Play On Victoria concert being held on Saturday evening is running under similar trial conditions.
The Victorian Racing Club confirmed during the week that despite 10,000 people being allowed at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, only 500 tickets would be on sale to the general public.
NSW 332 new Covid-19 cases, two deaths
New South Wales has recorded 332 locally acquired Covid-19 cases and two deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm (local time) last night.
The state has 469 hospitalisations from Covid-19 and 123 people in ICU.
Meanwhile Queensland recorded no new community cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.
