Victoria has recorded 2,232 new local cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths as the state hits its 70 per cent vaccination target.
Key points:
- The latest deaths take the toll for the current Delta outbreak in Victoria to 187
- Victoria has officially vaccinated more than 70 per cent of its population aged 16+
- Melbourne's lockdown will lift at 11:59pm, with a limited reopening of hospitality venues
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.
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On Twitter, Premier Daniel Andrews congratulated Victorians for their vaccination efforts, saying he was "so proud".
"Because of everything Victorians have done, tomorrow we can start getting back to the things we love," he said.
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.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said it was a day of celebration, but he again insisted that Victoria could re-open faster.
"There is a difference with restrictions having been eased in New South Wales and Victoria and my only point was a factual one which is I hope that Victorians can enjoy the same freedoms as those in New South Wales," he told ABC Radio National.
More to come.
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Victoria records 2,232 new local COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths - ABC News
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