Victoria’s COVID cases rise, NSW’s cases fall

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Victoria has recorded another 1903 locally acquired COVID cases and seven deaths:

By comparison, NSW recorded only 265 COVID cases and five deaths:

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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:

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Victoria’s positive test rate remains very high at 2.725%, according to COVIDBaseAU:

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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:

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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.

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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.

About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.