Victoria has recorded another 1903 locally acquired COVID cases and seven deaths:
Reported yesterday: 1,903 new local cases and 0 cases acquired overseas.
– 32,405 vaccines administered
– 69,825 test results received
– Sadly, 7 people with COVID-19 have diedMore later: https://t.co/OCCFTAchah#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/Z3nM6bpAQv
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) October 17, 2021
By comparison, NSW recorded only 265 COVID cases and five deaths:
NSW COVID-19 update – Monday 18 October 2021
In the 24-hour reporting period to 8pm last night:
– 92% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
– 80.3% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
– 60,273 tests pic.twitter.com/I2QpXV0rZZ— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) October 17, 2021
The next chart plots daily cases across both states since the beginning of the current outbreaks:
Active cases fell across both jurisdictions over the past 24 hours:
Victoria’s positive test rate remains very high at 2.725%, according to COVIDBaseAU:
Victoria’s Reff has risen to 1.20, which suggests that cases should continue to rise:
By contrast, NSW’s Reff has fallen to 0.73, which suggests that cases should continue to fall:
On a bright note, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews yesterday brought forward Melbourne’s reopening to 11.59pm on 21 October.
Amongst other things, Melburnians will be allowed to leave their home for any reason and travel anyway across the metropolitan area; the night-time curfew will also end, while households will be permitted to have up to 10 visitors and seated service will be permitted indoors in restaurants and cafes.
However, restrictions will remain in place for some businesses like gyms and retail until 80% of Victorians are fully vaccinated, which is expected to be reached by early November.
The ban on travelling between Melbourne and regional areas will also be lifted when the 80% target is reached.