Victorian Premier opens door to granting more freedoms sooner - 9News

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has opened the door to granting Victorians more freedoms sooner despite the state recording more than 180 new cases.

Yet, the state is on track to hit the 70 per cent single-dose vaccination milestone before September 23 when restrictions are due to ease.

Cars enter a drive through COVID testing site in Brunswick in Melbourne. (Getty)

"Hopefully we can get to the 23rd earlier than that — that 70 percent mark — and we can hopefully deliver on the things we've already committed to but some more and that's the work that's going on now," Mr Andrews said today.

Current predictions say Victoria will reach that target four days earlier on September 19.

Mr Andrews has already promised a 10km bubble and an extra hour of exercise, hinting the state could go further.

But the Premier says when events are finally allowed the unvaccinated shouldn't expect to join.

"To protect the health system we are going to lock out people who are not vaccinated and can be," he said.

Victoria's latest daily vaccination increase is more than 50,000. Sixty per cent have of eligible people have had one dose (60.29 per cent) and nearly 38 per cent are fully vaccinated (37.60 per cent).

Mr Andrews comments come as authorities continue to push for higher testing rates.

There were 48,000 tests conducted yesterday and 29,000 jabs administered across the state. There are now currently 1417 cases attributed to the latest Delta outbreak.

Victoria's COVID-19 Response Commander Jeroen Weimar said there were thousands of people on the ground dealing with the response across the state, particularly in Melbourne.

Members of Victoria Police question Anti-Lockdown protestors in the CBD after a small number came to a planned protest outside the State Library. (Photograph by Chris Hopkins)

"What we are seeing is a very high attack rate, and a message to those who continue to operate the essential businesses that we are maintaining, it is so important that your COVID-safe protocols are as strong as you can possibly make them," Mr Weimar said.

"We are seeing levels of community transmission that we have not seen for a long time, you need to make sure your workplaces are as safe as they can be."

Mr Weimar also urged Victorians who needed them to take advantage of payments to support workers while they wait for the results of their COVID-19 test.

"There are $450 test isolation payments available and I'm pleased to confirm that over 6000 people a day are applying for those test and isolation payments," Mr Weimar said.

"If you need that extra bit of support to get tested because you can't afford to miss a day of work, you can't afford to miss a shift, you need the extra income, please get tested, knowing that 6000 people a day are applying and getting those payments."

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Victorian Premier opens door to granting more freedoms sooner - 9News
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