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Victoria has recorded 1750 new local cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths, as the Victorian government considers additional freedoms once the state hits its 80 per cent double vaccination target.
Of the 770 people in hospital with the virus in the state, 144 are in intensive care and 90 are on a ventilator.
Melbourne’s hospitality scene reopened on Friday, with proof of full vaccination required to dine-in.Credit:Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
There were 39126 vaccination doses administered in Victoria across Friday, with more than 72858 COVID-19 test results returned. Around 72 per cent of Victorians are fully vaccinated.
As Melburnians soak in their first weekend out of lockdown after 77 days of restrictions, Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged the possibility of additional freedoms on top of those outlined in Victoria’s road map once the state hits 80 per cent double-vaccinated.
Mr Andrews said the speedy uptake of the vaccine would not only trigger a new round of freedoms at 80 per cent, it could include fresh incentives and rules to encourage workers to return to offices and visit the city for dining and shopping.
“People have gone and done what we asked them to do. And now we’re delivering what we said we would do,” he said.
When the state reaches 80 per cent, Victorians will be allowed to travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria, retail will reopen and masks will no longer be required outside. The milestone is expected to be reached just before next weekend, a few days sooner than anticipated.
The eased restrictions are expected around the same weekend that 5500 fully vaccinated people will be allowed at Flemington for Derby Day next Saturday.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton approved the new crowd limit on Friday afternoon. The Melbourne Cup is capped at 10,000 patrons.
Racegoers will be required to prove their vaccination status either through their COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Service Victoria app, Medicare app, or equivalent smartphone wallet, or on presentation of a printed version of their certificate or immunisation history statement.
Victoria’s Racing Minister Martin Pakula said of the decision: “We’re testing the systems and support that will be needed for events as we open up further, and it’s great that we’re able to now bring Derby Day into these larger-scale trials.”
Melbourne Cup Day remains capped at 10,000 on course, as do the Victoria Racing Club’s meetings on Oaks Day and Stakes Day.
With Annika Smethurst, Damien Ratcliffe
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