By With millions of people in New South Wales released from the lockdown on Monday, Melbourne continues its gigantic stay under tough stay-at-home orders, with experts predicting Victoria is heading for 3.00 Covid cases per day.
The city is spending its 253rd day of containment since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, with restrictions likely to last for many more weeks as the state nears 70% double-bite rate.
Department of Health Assistant Secretary Kate Matson has warned Victoria could hit the rising numbers around the end of October.
“At this point, we are on the right track in terms of hospitalizations and new cases,†she said.
“But I remind you that there is a middle line and an upper and lower band, and we’re still in that band.”
A health official has given a grim warning as Victoria enters her 253rd day of lockdown (pictured, Premier Dan Andrews)
On Saturday, the state registered 1,965 new cases, breaking the previous record three times in the past week.
The huge figure is the highest recorded since the start of the pandemic in Australia.
Victoria reported 1,890 new cases and five deaths on Sunday as Prime Minister Dan Andrews announced how many punters will be allowed to attend the Melbourne Cup festivities.
Up to 10,000 fully vaccinated punters will be allowed into Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup on November 2, with strict Covid protocols in place.
Victoria broke the record for most cases during the pandemic in Australia on Saturday with 1,965 positive infections (pictured, dog walkers on Flinders Street in Melbourne)
Victoria recorded 1,890 new cases of Covid-19 and five new deaths on Sunday night
Sunday’s cases were diagnosed from 74,105 tests and 39,861 doses of vaccine were administered.
Over 86% of Victorians have now received at least one Covid vaccine and over 58% are fully vaccinated.
Andrews said the state was “on track” to meet the 70% double vaccination target by October 26, which will lead to a much-anticipated easing of restrictions.
The five deaths reported overnight include a man in his fifties from Melbourne, a man in his fifties from Brimbank, two men in his fifties, one from Maribyrnong and one from Wyndham and a woman in his fifties from Yarra.
The number of cases fell slightly on Sunday as Victoria recorded 1,890 cases and five deaths (pictured, of people exercising on St Kilda beach)
There are currently 609 people hospitalized with Covid-19, including 126 in intensive care and 88 breathing via a ventilator.
Less than seven percent of Victorians currently hospitalized are fully immunized.
Mr Andrews has issued a blunt warning to Victorians who have not been vaccinated in the last few weeks before the state reopens.
“If you are vaccinated, your chances of ending up in hospital seriously ill are only a fraction, a tiny fraction of the risks of an unvaccinated person,†he said.
“Of course that will change and become even more austere as we open up.
Premier Dan Andrews said the state is on track to meet the 70% vaccination target by October 26 (pictured, a vaccination center in Melton)
“When we get to 80% double dose… the virus will spread, especially among those who are not vaccinated… you are at a much higher risk.
“I’m not happy to say this, but that’s the science of it. The data, the facts.
NSW was released from lockdown measures on Monday, after surpassing the 70% double-dose vaccination milestone early last week.
Gyms, cafes, restaurants, swimming pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians will reopen and residents will be able to travel more than 3 miles from their homes – a goal Victoria will hopefully reach later in October.
NSW on Friday fell by over 90% of first-dose immunization coverage, while more than 73% are now fully stung, up from Victoria’s vaccination.
Over 86% of Victorians have now received at least one Covid vaccine and over 58% are fully vaccinated (pictured, a vaccination center in Melton)
NSW recorded 477 new cases of Covid and six deaths as infections continue to decline on Sunday
Half of the 1,890 new cases reported on Sunday were detected in six LGAs: Hume, Casey, Melton, Brimbank, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
Covid Commander Jeroen Weimar noted an increase in the number of infections in southeast Melbourne, with 164 cases emerging in Casey.
However, he warned Victorians that the virus was now spreading everywhere, not just in familiar Covid hot spots.
“I would really like to stress again please don’t be fooled by these case stories that say it is only in a few places it is happening more and more in the suburbs of Melbourne and the Victoria area “said Mr. Weimar.
‘[We are seeing] significant continued growth in the number of cases and we are seeing continued growth in the number of cases in the Victoria area. ‘