Victoria records no new coronavirus cases, 19 days in a row

Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, the 19th consecutive day in a COVID-free run for the state.

Two active cases remain in the state, both in hotel quarantine.

The Western Health Sunshine Hospital Covid-19 vaccination hub which recently opened.Credit:Penny Stephens

It comes as Australia’s expert advisory group on vaccines and the Therapeutics Goods Administration moved to reassure Australians over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine, after a number of European nations suspended their rollouts due to a small number of patients developing blood clots.

Ahead of the vaccine being rolled out in Australia from next week, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation said it did “not see any reason to pause use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia”.

“Thrombotic events occur commonly in the absence of vaccination. It is noted that the rates of thrombotic events are not higher in vaccine recipients than the expected background rate,” the group said on Tuesday.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is closely monitoring the situation and has been in communication with regulators including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the MHRA.

“Further clinical details of the cases are being reviewed by the EMA with further information expected this week,” a statement read.

No cases of coagulation disorders have been identified following COVID-19 vaccination in Australia, the group said.

Overnight Europe’s drug regulator said it was “firmly convinced” the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine far outweigh any risks, as it attempts to head off an unproven and highly damaging suspicion that the jab may cause blood clots.

Wastewater warnings remain in place for a number of suburbs of Melbourne including Laverton, Werribee, Balwyn North, Blackburn North, Box Hill North, Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Mitcham, Mont Albert North and Sunbury.

Anyone with symptoms in those areas is being urged to come forward for testing, while the Health Department continues to contact returned travellers from Sydney and Brisbane after hotel quarantine leaks in both cities.

More to come.

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